Last week we heard from three of our skaters about their first experiences with roller derby and Central City Rollergirls. Now we have some more skaters who wanted to share their experiences.
Madame Flutterby (A/B Team Skater – Central City Rollergirls)
Did you know about Roller derby before you joined?
I’d never heard of roller derby. After seeing it for the first time, I was hooked. I didn’t understand it, I hadn’t a clue how to play but it seemed like the perfect activity I’d been looking for. As a mom of two young children I need some “me” time – a chance to be someone other than a wife and mother.
What made you give it a try?
I gave it a try as it seemed new, different and quite unique. A million miles away from the yoga, pilates and keep fit, all the other moms I knew where doing. Something outside the box and not the norm.
How was your first session?
My first session was nerve wracking, I didn’t usually do things without my husband or family by my side, so to go by myself was completely alien. Everyone was really friendly. I took part in basic skills with Twisted mister/ Chet Wisconsin, who showed my how to fall, glide, stop, weave etc. Luckily for me it came very naturally – for others who found it more difficult there was lots of support. I had fun and the nerves eased really quickly. I chatted with other girls and couldn’t wait for my next session the following week. My legs ached so much the next day but the more regular I went the easier it got.
How have things changed since you joined in terms of your skating?
My skating style has changed over the years – on that first day, I was comfortable on my skates and found it fairly easy to skate but I hadn’t a clue how to stop – resulting in lots of occasions where I would slam into walls! My most recent sessions have included how to do a one footed transition, forwards and backwards. There are always new skills and improvements to challenge you. I used to see CCR as a weekend hobby – over the years they’ve become my extended family – kind of like an old bearded Aunty that you love dearly but can’t escape her stubbly kisses. I’ve been a member of CCR for over 7 1/2 years. I play on both the A and the B team and am co captain.
How has roller derby changed your life in general?
Roller derby has changed my life and given me the confidence that I didn’t have before. I’ve got a much better social life and friends of my own – not just friends that talk to me because our children are friends. I’ve made some fantastic memories over the years.
Milly Idol (B Team Skater – Central City Rollergirls)
Did you know about Roller derby before you joined?
I knew little to nothing, I had watched Whip It and remembered leaving the cinema thinking I could totally play that, it looks like so much fun! I eventually found CCR a few years later, after reading about roller derby in the UK in a magazine. My first practice – I can remember being really excited when I watched the pre-mins skaters and thought I cant wait to be able to skate like that, as I struggled to even roll on my hired disco skates!
What made you give it a try?
I wanted to do something different, meet new people and get involved in a sport but ultimately it was reading the magazine article – and I emailed a kit request AND phoned the venue within 10 minutes!
Before I went in to the venue, I had been waiting all week for Saturday to come, I was so excited to start, I don’t think I was going to let anything, like nerves, stop me. Afterwards I just wanted it to be the following Monday so I could skate again and have a full kit by the following Saturday – I couldn’t wait to start minimum skills!
As a B-Team skater, just over a year and a half in, I still have the same excitement before practice, I still always want to do better than I did the last session, there is always so many ways you can improve your skating ability – I love it, and my league is the nicest bunch of people, so supportive and helpful, I don’t know what I did before with my spare time!
I think my confidence has grown, I always have a topic to talk to people about, I mean I’d never skated before and to be on a team now, is the best feeling, I’m forever telling people to join, it’s awesome.
TigerLibby (Rookie – Central City Rollergirls)
What made you give it a try?
First session was nerve racking, exciting and excilerating all at the same time. I realised that after 20 years of not being on skates that I still had it in me. Afterwards I felt amazing mentally rather than physically as I couldn’t move for a week! ! I knew then that I would be back.
I am knocking on the door of level 2 (CCR’s minimum skills are broken into 3 levels), I can only come once a week and had some injury but I can do things on skates I never thought possible. At 42, I can skate better than I could when I was 20. I keep coming back because I love it, every session I am learning, improving and getting mentally and physically stronger. I come back because of the people, they are like family, we all support each other and look out for each other even when at times and for whatever reason we can’t skate. Real sense of belonging.
Yes derby has changed my life. Given me a sense of personal achievement. I am dealing with pre natal depression and mentally I am now stronger more self assured and confident in my own skin. Derby has helped in my work and in my personal life. I am fitter than I have ever been and just love going to practice. Having never been a sport fan..I am now.
If you like the sound of roller derby and want to give it a go, send an email to ccrkitrequest@gmail.com. Fancy watching a game first? CCR’s A Team will be playing London Rollergirls B Team March 26th. It’s going to be a corker.
