Any skaters or roller derby peeps here?

amytag
amytag Posts: 206 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
My original goal when starting this healthy lifestyle was to begin roller derby in 2013. I am a decent skater but have never done derby. However, I also have back issues, with sciatica that has plagued me since my early 20's (when I wasn't overweight). I was hoping that losing weight would help my back, but so far, I am still having issues.

My question is two-fold: 1) Is roller derby out of the question with back problems, and 2) are there exercises or precautions I can start now to help prevent injuries if I am able to play?

Replies

  • SusiePackwrecker
    SusiePackwrecker Posts: 2 Member
    Hi Amytag!

    I've been involved with roller derby for about 2 years now... and my suggestion is GO FOR IT. I would start out at your local skating rink if you are worried about your back giving you problems. Be sure to ask for newer skates at the rink, and don't be shy to ask to swap for different skates, or ask them to adjust the wheels until they feel good. Rink skates are bad, but if you can get a decent pair it will be a little better.

    If you find that you don't feel comfortable skating, there are MANY volunteers and non-skating officials needed to run a roller derby league. When you join derby, as a skater or not, you are kinda walking into a family. Roller derby is growing like fire, and you can feel the energy really quickly.

    I started out as a skater, took some time off for maternity leave and when I went back I ended up their Head Ref. Sad to say that I'm hanging up my skates so I can try one more time to have a baby ... but I plan on staying as involved with the league as I can by volunteering and helping with their bouts. Seriously, good stuff!! Feel free to ask me any questions or add me.
  • blunder_bolt
    blunder_bolt Posts: 32 Member
    I really want to try it. There isnt a mens team around but Im tempted to learn to skate anyway. Ill have to go to a bout of my local team (Severn Roller Torrent) and volunteer to help out.

    I game across Gary Erskine of http://www.rollergrrrls.com/ at MCM expo and fell in love with it!
  • SusiePackwrecker
    SusiePackwrecker Posts: 2 Member
    King, you can ref for the women! Refs are on skates, but are not the target of angry derby girls. Okay, not usually ;) Reffing is a blast! If you make it to one of their games, find someone in stripes afterwards and tell them you want to learn to ref. They will love you forever for it, I promise. They will teach you how to skate and help you learn the rules. Most people joining don't know much about derby. I sure didnt when i joined!!

Categories