Think roller derby is simply a bunch of folk racing around in circles hitting each other?
Well, okay, you could be PARTLY correct. But there is a bit more to the sport than just cruising and bruising!
I joined a roller derby team about three years back as a technique to break out of my fitness routine and meet some new folks. It was actually the last thing any of my friends or family thought I'd ever do - which is why it's a perfect choice. I wanted to get far outside my comfortable area, and in the midst I discovered that way down inside there had been a derby girl screaming to get out.
Firstly, I don't fit into the stereotypical roller derby gal.
I am not covered in tattoos, I sure don't blast punk music, and I certainly haven't got multiple piercings distributed around my body.
But naturally those are all just false perceptions of what we're all about. In fact, my team consists of girls of every age and backgrounds, from a young uni student studying biology to a middle-aged mother of two with a gusto for collecting rare coins.
Roller derby seems to be enduring a renaissance of late, with many girls stopping by our weekly practices to see what we're all about.
Besides the increased collaboration, there also seems to be a number of fans coming out to support us. I consider the fans to be an extended member of our team. The fans are always howling and rooting, bringing an exciting level of energy to the pursuit. Without the fans, the very experience would be a lot different.
I was told that roller derby was first thought of back in the 1930s principally as an endurance competition. Somewhere along the line all the hard-knocks and mad antics were thrown in to draw in audiences.
Well, it sure feels like that competitive spirit has lasted all those years, and can be seen at any given derby night.
My teammates and opponents may lead seemingly standard lives, but when we get out there on the skating rink, our personas take on a totally new level of crazy. Once I step out there and start rolling there's literally a sudden fierceness and drive that takes over. I like it, and it's definitely addictive.
So whether you are brave enough to lace up your skates and join us for 1 or 2 laps, or are content with simply hollering from the sidelines, roller derby is something you just have to see for yourself!
Well, okay, you could be PARTLY correct. But there is a bit more to the sport than just cruising and bruising!
I joined a roller derby team about three years back as a technique to break out of my fitness routine and meet some new folks. It was actually the last thing any of my friends or family thought I'd ever do - which is why it's a perfect choice. I wanted to get far outside my comfortable area, and in the midst I discovered that way down inside there had been a derby girl screaming to get out.
Firstly, I don't fit into the stereotypical roller derby gal.
I am not covered in tattoos, I sure don't blast punk music, and I certainly haven't got multiple piercings distributed around my body.
But naturally those are all just false perceptions of what we're all about. In fact, my team consists of girls of every age and backgrounds, from a young uni student studying biology to a middle-aged mother of two with a gusto for collecting rare coins.
Roller derby seems to be enduring a renaissance of late, with many girls stopping by our weekly practices to see what we're all about.
Besides the increased collaboration, there also seems to be a number of fans coming out to support us. I consider the fans to be an extended member of our team. The fans are always howling and rooting, bringing an exciting level of energy to the pursuit. Without the fans, the very experience would be a lot different.
I was told that roller derby was first thought of back in the 1930s principally as an endurance competition. Somewhere along the line all the hard-knocks and mad antics were thrown in to draw in audiences.
Well, it sure feels like that competitive spirit has lasted all those years, and can be seen at any given derby night.
My teammates and opponents may lead seemingly standard lives, but when we get out there on the skating rink, our personas take on a totally new level of crazy. Once I step out there and start rolling there's literally a sudden fierceness and drive that takes over. I like it, and it's definitely addictive.
So whether you are brave enough to lace up your skates and join us for 1 or 2 laps, or are content with simply hollering from the sidelines, roller derby is something you just have to see for yourself!
About the Author:
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