Are you signed up for Fresh Meat Bootcamp? If so, count yourself as lucky. Our bootcamp spots are going faster and faster as time goes on. If not, keep an eye out for another one this summer, and keep skating.
I imagine that those of you new to derby might have a few questions. That’s what I’m here for, ladies! Check the general info on the website, then read on for some extra tips.
Dress for comfort first.
There’s no uniform for practice, and I promise that no one will think worse of you if you don’t show up in the cutest skating outfit ever. Wear something that you’re comfortable moving in. Everyone’s a little different, so you’ll have to see what works for you. Considerations:
- It’s cold in the hangar in November/December, but you’ll warm up fast when you start skating. I like bringing an oversized hoodie that will fit over my elbow pads to wear during warmup. Tights, shorts and a tank top never steered me wrong, but some people can wear long-sleeve shirts all night.
- We wear close-fitting bottoms for a reason. The fabric of longer skirts can get in the way if you fall.
- Socks, tights, leggings – do what works for you. I wear tights with the feet cut off and a single pair of socks. Some people keep their tights intact…some people wear two pairs of socks…Etc. Skate around for a long rink session and see what works. If you choose not to cover your legs, be prepared for the inevitable rink rash.
Plan your meals ahead of time.
What NOT to eat – a burrito directly before practice. Rookie mistake!
For evening practices, plan out what you’re going to eat during the day so you don’t end up ravenous an hour before practice starts. Allow three hours after any major meals. Don’t be too rigid with a routine if you can help it, either. Things don’t always go according to plan in roller derby, so you’ll have to learn to be flexible…in more than one way. That’s not supposed to sound dirty.
You might have to start taking in more calories if you’re not used to exercising so much. Just do what your body tells you to do, and stick with the healthy stuff.
Try not to overextend yourself on Friday night if you have a Saturday morning practice. If you do show up dehydated and feeling a little subpar, suck it up and skate your best. The puke-n-rally is greatly respected, but know your limits.
Do your homework.
I’m sorry, but at some point, you are going to have to read the rules. The whole thing, all the way through. Now is as good a time as any, and the more familiar you are with the game, the more you’ll get out of the coaching at camp. Read up on roller derby in general, get hip to the roller derby world at large, and find out more about the Rose City Rollers and the Fresh Meat program. Ask questions on the forum. Hell, ask me on the internets or if you see me wandering around the hangar. Isn’t that why they keep me around?
Skate, play nice, and keep skating!
Start skating as much as you can now, and find extra opportunities to skate. Skating an extra hour or two at Wreckers practice after your Bootcamp is probably not going to kill you, but if you’re really tired, skip it. When I started derby, I was at the rink 2-3 times a week in addition to practices. That turned me from a horrifically terrible skater to a just really bad skater in no time at all!
You will get “yelled” at. It’s just really loud in the the hangar. We still like you. Keep skating! Do you have a hot spot developing? You can cover it when the drill’s over. Keep skating!
Is someone mean to you? Leave it on the track. Keep skating. This is roller derby, and it’s not always rainbows and sunshine, but we support our community and teammates. In Rose City, it’s always coming up pegacorns.
Good luck!
Hearts,
Frisky
