Veteran derby skaters share everything they wish they had known, looking back, when they were noobs, with Fresh Meat. Got a love letter full of hard earned wisdom for the Freshies? [email protected]
by Uncle Jesse McNasty May 23, 2012 - 1:03pm
Everybody in roller derby shares something. And I mean EVERYBODY. Skaters, refs, NSOs, announcers… everybody. We all share that something that brought us to the sport we all love. I have never been to a bout and known of a volunteer that didn’t love derby. And that means something. Derby is a gift. One we all share.
by DerbyLife May 6, 2012 - 10:15pm
By Betty Schnockered
Roller Derby is a harsh mistress. Like any other sport, when the time comes to find out who gets to play and who doesn’t, feelings will be hurt and hearts will be broken. Since derby time makes everything seem like it happened both yesterday and forever ago, my first derby heartbreak feels both fresh and distant, but it was less than a year ago.
by Raven Von Kaos November 1, 2011 - 8:08pm
Oh roller derby! It’s been a crazy and awesome journey thus far. I’ve grown so much and learned more about myself then I ever thought possible. It’s fantastic to see a whole new wave of skaters coming in and joining the ranks to possibly have the same awesome experiences I have.
by DerbyLife September 27, 2011 - 11:37pm
by Raven Von Kaos September 23, 2011 - 8:51am
By Raven Von Kaos - Santa Cruz Derby Girls
Is roller derby your first priority? Do you put derby above your family, kids, real-world responsibilities, job, or even your sanity? Am I a horrible teammate and skater because I don't and I won't?
Regionals seem to hot on everyone's mind right now - what personal sacrifice does it take to help your team get to regionals? More nights away from family? More time traveling on the road? More time day-dreaming about derby glory? Or is about efficiency with the time you have?
by Your Mom September 5, 2011 - 8:09pm
You will be amazed (and possibly horrified) by how quickly your requirements for butt-coverings change. If you had told me two years ago that I would be totally comfortable wearing small, glittery pants in public and cavorting around on skates like a madwoman, I would have laughed in your face.
by Valtron3000 August 22, 2011 - 7:49am
There comes a time when we all need to make the tough choice to hang up our skates. Derby is addictive, period. Oftentimes derby is compared to a drug, or maybe a bad relationship. When it’s good, it’s good; when it’s bad, well, you still get your ass to practice, always thinking of the good times. But just like a tough breakup, sometimes you have to realize and admit to yourself… derby, it’s not you, it’s me.
by Herr Triggore August 11, 2011 - 9:43pm
There’s a lot of feedback for the derby skaters, as it should be. But in observing derby for a bit, both off-skates and on, there are some key bits of feedback I’d offer that apply to the highest of certified officials, as well as to experienced and even newer “house refs” like myself.
by demanda_riot August 7, 2011 - 11:48pm
Skates are in men's sizes.
Panty hose are not tights which are not leggings which are not sporty compression pants.
Fishnet track burn does look more interesting than just plain track burn, but FUCK IT ALL and wear thicker bottoms.
Hematomas are serious. Go to your doctor.
Find a good Sports Doctor and Physical Therapy Clinic.
Always, always do your PT. It's like extra training. And show your teammates.
A personal trainer ≠ athletic trainer.
Change socks before practice.
by Valtron3000 July 25, 2011 - 1:08am
Figure A. The reverse evolution of a rollergirl. Or, how long it took me to learn to skate lower.
by Grandma Tron (aka Valtron 3000, Rat City Roller Girls member since August 2004)
Pages
