Down and Derby-A book review

This was published in the CLTRG Hip Check newsletter in March of 2012. Re-publishing here.

For Christmas, I bought myself one thing, Down and Derby: The Insider’s Guide to Roller Derby. Since derby has taken over most my brain and much of my time, I thought it only appropriate that I read about it. And I will say, authors Kasey Bomber and Axles of Evil did a phenomenal job compiling this compendium. The bookdelves into the history of roller derby, from the 1800s to today. It profiles members of the roller derby world who’ve contributed important things to the game we play today. It breaks down the game into simple, understandable parts. It even includes an annex of times roller derby has been featured on tv and in the movies. 

I think this book is for everyone, whether you play or not. 

For the Veteran Skater: You’ve got scrimmage shirts in every color of the rainbow. You’re experienced and hardened and can play this game blindfolded. But, did you ever wonder why the WFTDA Nationals trophy is called the ‘Hydra?’ That’s in here. There are tips for “winning the afterparty.” There are profiles of skaters you admire and ones you love to hate. Roxy Rockett offers her ‘Dos and Don’ts’ on how to switch leagues smoothly. There’s some advice on dating in the realm of derby. There’s even a short article on how and when to retire gracefully. This book will allow you to further obsess over the sport you love. The authors organized Rollercon and offer some insights about what kind of experience you can have there. It will give you fresh perspective and might remind you that you appreciate this weird thing you spend your nights and weekends doing. 

For the Newbie Skater: You’re just catching the roller derby bug. You’ve spent a few hours Googling the skates you want to get when you can actually afford to. Down and Derby is for you too. There is an entire chapter on what to do when you’ve decided that roller derby is for you. It starts with doing your research on finding a league. In 2009, when the book was written, there were only 400 or so derby leagues worldwide. Today, there are more than 1100. There is derby somewhere for you. The next step goes into purchasing your gear. Axles and Kasey kindly go into all the required gear and even talk about some optional gear that you should consider investing in. They give advice on choosing skates, derby names, and jersey numbers, in that order. In just a few pages, they bring you from your first day of practice to skating your first bout. The authors are experienced skaters who played a role in developing the sport that’s taking over the world. Their words help to humanize derby and make it seem less intimidating. Remember, that when you join a league, you gain a family. 

And finally, for the Fan: Maybe you come to a few bouts a year. Maybe you went once a few years ago, and keep meaning to go back. Maybe you’re a proud season ticket holder. You can still get something from reading this book. My mother, who as of Saturday, had been to three bouts, picked up the book recently and she has been enjoying it too. She loved the history of roller derby, “I didn’t know derby had its roots in the Great Depression.” Down andDerby caters to the fans also, offering a chapter entitled, “If You Can’t Be an Athlete, Be an Athletic Supporter!” detailing the many opportunities you have as a fan, ranging from announcing to coaching to just showing up to games. You’ve seen these girls skate, but this book will give you a deeper understanding of the hours that skaters put into training just so you can enjoy your monthly bout. 

I’m so glad I found this book. Though already a little outdated, it has valuable wisdom from skaters who’ve been there, done that. It’s well-written and comprehensive. I learned a lot from reading it and have been able to use much of it in everyday conversations and roller derby practices! I promise to pass it around to my derbysisters as soon as I’m done re-reading it. 

Tuesdays Rock!

Seriously, the B*Dazzlers are an amazing team. We work together so well.

Tonight, we really showed that. We recycled well in drills, we maintained walls. I am just so happy that we've got such a great team and I can't wait until Saturday! You ready, Low Country? You ready to eat our dust?

Drumroll Please...

So I've got some great news. I've made the roster for Charleston. I'll be making my bouting debut in just over a week. I also just got the news that enough people have dropped out of the Guys and Girls Gone WILD Invitational that I've made it. I will be on the Drunks team. I will be skating with one of my teammates' husband (I'm confused by that grammer, but also too complacent to adjust it). I'm interested in seeing what it will be like to skate with guys. Maybe I'll learn something.

I have been taking it easy in practice. I even sat out scrimmage, and that was tough. But I've been pushing myself harder at practices lately. I feel like it's paying off. 

Our practices have had a lot of variety lately and I really love that.

I wish I had more to say, but I sincerely think that's all for me.

Can't wait to skate next weekend! And the following one!

Easyriders Demos

Whoo. Today was brutal. Almost 3 hours of derby spread out all day.

Sin sent out an email this morning about the floor. She told us it was polished concrete, but slicker than our warehouse and to bring our grippiest wheels. HO-LY crap. It was like ice skating.

And our demos were up against lingerie fashion shows, so while we drew crowds, it was difficult to keep them.

I actually did not have as much of a problem with the floor as some. Some of us were all over the floor. During the first demo, I stayed upright mostly. But when I went down, I went down HARD. My first fall had me sprawled out on the floor, and both elbows still hurt. A fall in the second round had me landing on the top of my shoulder.

As the day went on, I got more tired, but more used to the floor. There was a corps of skaters who were there for all 3 demos. I pushed myself. Past my breaking point. I jammed when I didn't feel up to it. I jammed in all 3 demos, I'm pretty sure. I kept my feet moving. I made smart calls and mostly executed good blocks.

I only went to the penalty box twice in the three demos. And both were as I was getting tired. The first was at the very end of the second demo. I think it was a backblock. And sometime in the third demo, I went to the box on a cut major. That was strictly because I was tired. Psy*Ren hit me out around Turn 3 and when I tried to come back in, I thought she was with the pack, I didn't even see her waiting for me.

Later one of the refs told me that it was actually a cut minor and he apologized for calling it a major. I was also told there was a jam where it was reported I scored 0 points, when I'd actually scored 5. I forgot what it's like to play derby in a warm environment. I was sweating. I couldn't see straight at times.

I tried to take hits to the best of my ability, I broke up walls whenever possible, and I found reserves of strength in me to get through the pack. Many times I saw holes and just ran for it. I'm pretty proud of what I did today and only hope I can apply that in the coming weeks.