You will be called Fresh Meat, Newbies and maybe even hey you, welcome to the wonderful and chaotic world of Roller Derby! Maybe you’re a little shy, maybe you've never skated or been involved in sports and you’re a little intimated by the guys and girls on skates that have been skating with each other for at least a year. You don’t want to feel embarrassed by asking what sort of things you will need to skate and play derby. It’s tough starting out, trying to figure what you need, how the game works, what kind of maintenance you’re going to need to keep up your equipment, whether or not you’ll be hurt and whether or not you will get killed as soon as you touch the floor. Most skaters are in their 30's and strapping on skates for the first time is considerably daunting.

Roller Derby is just as tough on track as it is off the track, Roller derby is a big commitment! It's like a second job. It's a passion and a dedication that we take very seriously, it takes effort and devotion beyond bouts and practices. We expect a high level of commitment to training. You WILL fall down. You WILL get hurt. You WILL leave training feeling the most intense burning in muscles you didn't even know you had. Seriously, it takes a great deal of personal commitment and discipline to succeed at roller derby. It requires the desire to try, fail and ultimately succeed at new skills. Your advancement in the league depends on you. Passing your skill assessments is required for you to advance and training sessions are designed to groom you for bouting. You will work on repetitive drills and skills, so showing up to training and working hard is very important and we promise it will pay off...you’ll know what we mean when you skate your first bout. And don't forget to learn the rules - The Womens’ Flat Track Roller Derby Association (WFTDA) has the current set of rules available for download at their website.

Understand also, there is a financial commitment to roller derby also which includes yearly membership fees, Skate Australia Insurance and purchasing your own skates and gear. Each skater is responsible for obtaining their own equipment. Keep in mind that the quality of your equipment is very important as it protects your most important asset - you. Also, don’t let the cost of
equipment scare you, like everything else, as you get better so will your equipment. Skates and pads are available for hire to those who aren’t sure about their level of roller derby commitment and maybe just want to try it out.

But despite the huge commitment, any skater will tell you that it is completely worth it.

Safety First !

This can be an expensive excursion, but it’s one that you will need to do. No gear, no skating so let’s start from the top.

The helmet is one of your best friends. Going to a skate shop is
recommended. DO NOT skimp on your helmet as it is one of the most
important pieces of your safety equipment.

With your knee, elbow & wrist guards you can normally purchase pad sets in a pack but Knee Pads must be of high quality. Sometimes you might have to buy them separately rather than in a pack because the importance of this. Many girls suffer injury to their knees every year by not using the best knee pads and it can take you out of the game, or it can take you out of derby permanently. We suggest that you don't be
a scrooge on these. Pads also have to fit correctly so that they don’t slide off or cut off your circulation. Again, it’s better to get your first set at a store you can walk into. More than likely you’ll find the better price online, maybe try that for your next set. Don't be afraid to ask any of the skaters what they recommend, they are always more than eager to help and advise.

Lastly, you will need a mouth guard. You can usually get these at any sport shop or chemist. One fitted by a Dentist is the best. This warning comes from experience. There aren’t a whole lot of problems with mouth guards, but a broken tooth can become quite expensive especially if you don’t have dental insurance.

Skates

You haven’t skated since you were young and you may remember the rental skates or you may have even received a pair of those white artistic boot skates for your birthday, but most derby skaters roll in a different style. Maybe you've never skated. When looking for your first pair of derby skates, ask for advice. With this being your first purchase, and with the possibility that you might skate for only one year, again we would suggest finding the cheapest route, just ask us. When you get more familiar with skates, their maintenance, and the sort of things that work best for you, that’s when you should invest in some that will last. You should probably get yourself and extra pair of laces also because they will break. To save the life of the boot, purchase some toe guards. These aren’t necessary off the bat, but come in handy later and always carry loads of gaffer tape.


Attire

Where is the derby specific wear? What do I need to look like a real derby girl? Does my butt look cute in this? All questions we asked ourselves in the beginning, too. The wonderful skaters in the league will tell you how and where to go about getting the materials needed. For your own personal search, there are a few derby websites that carry derby clothes, but they’re not necessarily skating clothes. You can try www.sourpussclothing.com or www.rinkrashskatewear.com, when you’re looking for those knee high socks, thigh high or footy that you’ve seen around, try www.sockdreams.com . When you’re looking for clothes you need for practice or general derby style, right now it’s an ‘on your own’ sort of search. Usually there is a big difference between the clothes you pick out for a Monday night practice, and the ones you pick out for a big promotional event. So, don’t buy that $50 dollar skirt to sweat in at practice, save it for the weekend.

Bundamba Skateaway Ipswich - 21 Agnes Street, Bundamba

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