So I'm still super psyched that the Charlotte Roller Girls got in in the lottery to skate at ECDX this year. We've never skated on the big stage there. We went and played in two serious challenge bouts in 2011, but haven't been back as a team since. I went as a skater last year and I made new friends, reconnected with old friends and had a great time. I'd like to share some of my experiences/tips.
ECDX is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity...that happens every year.
1. Watch some derby. I got to see my favorite team (Montreal) skate, in person, finally last year. I also witnessed the mind-blowing Windy vs Philly game, that was won by one point in overtime. These games help determine tournament seeding and they're really exciting. Some teams are invited, some get in through the lottery, all are ready to play derby. This year, a couple of teams from Sweden will be making the journey to Feasterville to compete and I can't wait to meet them.
2. Skate some scrimmages. The eastcoastextravaganza Yahoo Group is a great resource. Someone winds up posting a list of all the colors that teams use in their scrimmages. I made like 4 scrimmage shirts last year and wound up playing in a bunch of scrimmages just by being nearby and having the right color shirt. Also, on. Sunday morning, there is a black vs white scrimmage at some ungodly hour. I think it's 8 am. It's '5 and slide' style. You can switch teams if the numbers get uneven. I skated with people and had no idea where they came from. I just learned that I skated with a DC All-Star last year.
It's a really powerful feeling to skate in the same facilities as your derby idols.
3. The pool looks like so much fun. I didn't make it last year, but I vow to this time around. I will be bringing plenty of sunscreen and being sure to hydrate, but that can't stop me from having a good time.
4. Vendor Bingo: it's at at the big derby events. Get a stamp from each vendor, enter to win an amazing basket of derby stuff. Take advantage of the vendors also. There's vendors from all over the country with brand new shiny stuff and lots of expertise to share.
5. Speaking of vendors, when is the next chance you'll have to buy a t-shirt from Helsinki Roller Derby without international shipping costs? Maybe never. Teams get to set up and sell merch during their games. So keep your schedule handy and have your money ready. PS Not everyone has a card reader, so you will need cash occasionally. It's a good idea to keep some cash on hand. There is an ATM on site, but we all know it's better to make plans ahead of time.
6. Bathrooms. The lines are long and priority really ought to go to the skaters. The rink where the challenge bouts take place has fewer people in it most of the time, so the line is shorter.
That's all I've got for now, expect a new post after this year. My plan is to master ECDX before I attempt Rollercon, since it's a much bigger endeavor.
See you on the track in just over 7 weeks!
