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About Roller Derby

Sweet Mary Hell's Guide to Roller Derby Kit

- for Fresh Meat

 

You will need the following kit at every roller derby training session:

  • Quad Roller Skates

  • Helmet

  • Knee Pads

  • Elbow Pads

  • Wrist Guards

  • Mouth Guard

 

Kit requirements can seem daunting when you are starting out in Roller Derby, you may be unfamiliar with the equipment and brands, you may be wondering where best to spend your money. My personal opinion is if you are going to spend money buy the best possible knee pads you can afford.

 

Skates

There are lots of quad skates available on the market. You will need ones suitable for roller derby, these are flat and low at the ankle (which allows for movement when you fall). Whilst any quad skates will be fine to begin with, the faster you can move onto a quality pair of derby skates the better, they will be safer for you and I have found previously with new skaters, that they find their skating style improves considerably.

 

If you are able to get to a bricks and mortar skate shop to try some skates on the better, however you may need to but online, so check out their size guides and ask for recommendations from other skaters. Don't be shy, most skaters love talking about these things! Budget wise you're looking at £100+ for an entry level pair of skates. The price can put people off, especially if you're concerned you may decide the sport is not for you. Skates are always in demand on Ebay.

 

Protect your skates by adding toe guards or covering the toe area with gaffer tape. Gaffer tape is a great extra to add to your kit bag, it can also be used to fasten down straps, add numbers to t-shirts...

 

Skate brands to look for: Riedell, Vanilla, Sure Grip, Bont, Antik

 

Helmets

Your head is pretty important so we recommend you buy a new helmet and replace it after any major falls/impact. Make sure it fits properly and that the strap is fastened snuggly under your chin. Helmets start at £15.

 

 

Knee Pads

Knee pads are pretty darn important in roller derby as you will fall on them at some point, so buy the best possible pads you can afford. I wish someone had told me this when I started! You can also buy gaskets for extra support and padding, that you wear under your pads. The type of knee pads you are looking for are called Vert, they are heavy duty and are also used by skateboarders on ramps, they have a hard cap to the front of them, these need to be replaced if they become cracked.

 

Try Smith Scabs, 187, TSG.

 

 

Elbow Pads

Elbow pads can be pretty standard, but I recommend making sure they fit well as you don't want them to be moving around.

 

Try Triple 8, Protec, Bullet, Smith Scabs, 187, Anarchy.

Prices start from about £15

 

 

Wrist Guards

You will want wrist guards that have a hard splint on the palm side.

Prices start from about £8, try SRF, Triple 8, 187. Pro-Tec, Bullet

 

 

Mouth Guards

People always ask if mouth guards are essential and the answer is yes! Not only will they protect your teeth but they also help limit impact within your head! If you are worried about gagging, then I recommend SISU (used to be called ProtecDent) as they are a lot smaller. If you want a Hollywood smile as you hip check your rival then choose a white one!

 

 

You don't need any other protection.

 

Some people choose to wear padded shorts but they really aren't necessary - and they make your arse look big... why would you do that!?

 

You will need comfortable clothing that you can move easily in (you should beable to squat easily in the clothing).

 

You might what to think about covering your legs up, leggings, tights, long shorts, long socks to prevent "rink rash" (friction burns). Please don't wear jeans or any clothing with rivets or studs that might injure a fellow skater.

 

During your training sessions, you will become sweaty and over time your kit will become stinky! Air your kit on a regular basis after training!

 

Familiarise yourself with your kit and check it is safe before every training session!

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