Top Ten Universally-Shared Moments in a Derby Skater's Career

by Hale Yeah January 25, 2013 - 11:19am

10. The first time you see an apex jump and equate it to the mystical flying of Falcor from The Neverending Story.

9. Breaking in new skates - and realizing the phrase should be "breaking in your feet" or "breaking your feet" or "I will never have pretty toes again.."

8. Completing your 25 in 5 and only being able to smile as big as can be ... because words requires breath, and all of your oxygen is being stolen away by your crying, whimpering muscles right now.

7. In your rookie year, wearing something in a bout that you think will look bad ass and hot ... and years later laughing and wondering what you were thinking.

6. Meeting your derby hero/heroine, being awed and five minutes later having no clue what you said, but feeling like you're on cloud nine for the rest of the night.

5. Watching junior roller derby for the first time and crossing off baby pandas as the cutest things you've ever seen.

4. The moment your friends start asking you to hang out with the addition of "...or do you have derby?"

3. Losing a bout, but going out and winning the after party "like a boss".

2. Going to your first tournament / invitational and wanting life to be like this always.

1. Being at a game, a practice, a store, a clinic, or a party and realizing you wouldn't be the person you are today if not for derby.

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Comments

Submitted by DemocracyInaction on January 25, 2013 - 12:03pm

unsubscribe.

Submitted by Frosty Peaches on January 25, 2013 - 12:57pm

Well I enjoy the lists! They are cute.

Submitted by Vivi Section on January 25, 2013 - 2:00pm

Saying something is "universal" is usually a risk. I'd have to say, in my fourth year of derby, I don't relate to any of these, except for possibly #10, but it wasn't like a light bulb went off one day. The changes, and my ability to recognize and appreciate them, has been a gradual process.

Submitted by Mama Tempest on January 26, 2013 - 12:01am

I think you're watching the wrong juniors. Our juniors are never mistaken for "cute". Around here, they watch junior derby and think "Holy Cow, they're going to steal my spot on the team in just a few years." And for further proof, check out photo 10 in the Best Stare Down photo contest. That's one of our "cute" juniors.

Submitted by John_Maddening on January 28, 2013 - 9:26am

When you have a three year old who only pushes with her right foot and moves about fifteen inches every stride, who gets halfway around the track in two minutes, and the rest of her team high fives her like she just got a thirty point natural grand slam when she gets back to the bench, that's the cutest thing ever.

There is cute and there is badass indeed.