Step It Up | Roller Derby Athletics (by rollerderbyathletics)
Looking for something to do for leg day?
Work out with Booty Quake!
What if all day was like speed skating practice? Pay attention derby friends: Calgary speed skaters show that you can do off-skates training anytime, anywhere. Get lower!
Monster Maggie demonstrates how to manage long nails in derby.
Long nails can break or scratch other players on the track. Keep nails trimmed short or tape them up to avoid inadvertently gouging other skaters like a clumsy adolescent werewolf. Some medical tape will protect your stylish manicure and your relationship with your teammates!
Kamikaze Kitten’s Anatomy of Stopping
Are you the kind of learner who needs to understand the mechanics of a move before you can execute it? Check out this series of informative posts on stopping by Kamikaze Kitten of the London Rollergirls.
Forces and Traction (definitions of terms used in the following posts)
Want to play roller derby? We want you!
Are you new to derby? We offer weekly drop in fresh meat practices on Sundays 8-10am at the YWCA gym (320 5 Ave SE). Yeah, we know it’s early. But roller derby is totally worth it! We welcome skaters of all genders and experience levels. There is a $5 practice fee.
Missing some equipment? Email recruiting@chinookcity.ca or ask on our facebook page to see if there’s gear available to borrow for your first time out. Please bring your own mouth guard, though!
Are you under 18? Youthanizer junior practices are for skaters aged 6-17! These start Saturday Sept. 29 at Beltline Gym (221 12 Ave. S.W.) and are from 12:30-2:30pm. There is a $5 drop-in fee.
Already down with derby? Insured skaters are welcome to drop-in on our practices!
Saturdays 10-12 Kill Jills (women’s team)
Sundays 10-12 Glenmore Reservoir Dogs (men’s team)
These are at the YWCA gym (320 5 Ave SE), and there is a $5 drop-in fee for non-league skaters. We’d love to learn from you, and we hope you’ll learn something from us, too!
We hope to see you soon!
Your friendly neighbourhood co-ed roller derby league.
Glenmore Reservoir Dogs: Graffiti Petey
Name: Graffiti Petey
Number: 30
Position: Blocker
Age: 38
“Are you gonna bark all day little doggie? Or are you gonna bite?”
When Graffiti Petey sinks his teeth into a jammer, he doesn’t let go. This tenacious skater might be a rookie, but he’s quickly becoming a key enforcer on the track.
How did you get involved with roller derby?
I went to fresh meat with my wife for something to get me off the couch, but I was really impressed when I saw the quality of derby being played at Flat Track Fever. I realized that this is something I can do if I put in the effort.
How long have you been playing?
I’ve been playing for about two months, and been skating for about 8 months.
What do you love about the sport?
There is always something to learn, and a ton of different aspects. It is never boring as there are so many different skills to work on.
Did you have any athletic experience before roller derby?
None worth mentioning!
What do you do for a living?
I’m an engineer who does project management in the oil industry.
Tell us a little bit about your derby name.
I’ve been using this moniker from a Garbage Pail Kids sticker in the 80s.
What’s it like to be a Glenmore Reservoir Dog?
There are only a few Dogs right now, so there is always an opportunity for a guy to skate. This also means more skating time in games and during scrimmages.
Do you have a derby hero?
Yes, Quadzilla. Watching him at Flat Track Fever is what made me want to get more serious about derby.
What are your strengths as a player?
For a rookie, I feel like I am pretty good at holding the line, and staying with the pack. Landing a big hit is great!
What skills are you working on right now?
For the last week I have been focused on my tomahawk stops. This will allow me to force the jammer to back the hell up after smoking them out of bounds.
How do you like to prepare for a bout?
Mostly it involves talking. Understanding the plays and the lines prior to the game gives me a sense of confidence that allows the skating to just happen.
If you had to describe your style of play using one song, which song would
it be?
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
What advice would you give to someone considering roller derby?
Go watch some games and if you want to give it a go don’t give up too soon. I’d say try it out for eight practices and then you’ll know if it is right for you.
Graffiti Petey made the team in eight months, can you? Give roller derby a try! Check out our website to get involved!
Want to play roller derby in Calgary?
Chinook City is always recruiting! We do not have a specific intake period for new skaters. We welcome skaters of any gender, age or fitness level. Our fresh meat practices are currently Sundays from 10am-12pm at the YWCA on 5th Ave. There is a $5 drop-in fee.
What you need:
- Roller skates
- Mouth guard
- Helmet
- Elbow pads
- Knee pads
- Wrist guards
You can get any or all of these things from Canadian businesses Rollergirl, Neon Skates, or Bad Girlfriend Skates. We do have some loaner pads that you can try on if you aren’t sure of your size, or want to try a practice or two before you buy.
For more information, see chinookcity.ca. Get off the couch and into your skates!
Feeling shy? Want to practice some skating skills before you come to derby for the first time? While we promise we don’t judge—everyone starts somewhere!—you can get started at Lloyd’s Roller Rink! You can rent roller skates and even take a roller skating class to learn some of the basics. You might even meet some derby people, as Lloyd’s is a great place to get in some extra practice.
My sister and I went to 3 roller derby games today; we sat in suicide seating (the front row in front of the track, no glass) which is actually 18+ but I wanted some good shots. Anyways, after the first game my sister and I go walking around, and I stop by the Thrashin’ Lassies table (a Calgarian…
If you and your friend would like to start getting into derby now, the other league in Calgary, Chinook City, has a Junior program! Skaters between the ages of 6-17 practice and skate together. Juniors can also skate with our adult fresh meat, which means 2 potential practices a week. We train fresh meat year-round; there’s no intake period! So you can come to your first practice anytime; this Saturday even, if you have skates! You can train to play with us, or practice with us to get your skill level up before trying out for the Calgary Roller Derby Association fresh meat program. Our juniors practice on Saturdays, and Fresh Meat on Sunday mornings at the YWCA on 5th Ave.
For more info, visit our website: http://chinookcity.ca/join.php
We love new skaters! We can teach you everything you need to know about derby: from how to skate to how to take or give a whip! Anyone of any age or experience level can come to our fresh meat practices on Sundays from 10am-12; Junior practices are restricted to skaters aged 6-17 on Saturdays from 12pm-2pm.
Also, you can come see our Juniors play on July 21st at 5pm at Stu Peppard Arena and get more information from any of the skaters or volunteers there! Come for the Juniors, and stay to see a great co-ed bout between the adults from Calgary and Edmonton. Tickets available online, from Mission Diner or at the door.
We hope to see you soon!
