Last weekend I watched "Whip It", a movie about roller derby starring Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page. I'd also seen a few roller derby clubs on twitter. So I decided to get and touch and find out what it's all about!
My first step was making contact with a club on Twitter @bcr_rollerderby (turns out the lady I was tweeting with goes by the name of "Zombietron"). So Zombietron passed on my query to the Brisbane City Rollers Secretary "Hit N Run". This was feeling just like the movie!
It turns out that real roller derby is pretty similar to the game played in the movie - the jammers trying to get through the blockers.
According to Hit N Run, most of their players are in their 30s; with many of them strapping on roller skates for the first time when they decided to give it a go.
She explained a training session to me and it sounds like a fantastic cardio work out and strengthening session in one. And it seems like you'd be too busy concentrating to even notice that you're doing a workout.
Hit N Run said that there are lots of benefits other than just the physical side of it. Like becoming tougher/braver so that you can cope with being shoulder barged! It is fantastic for improving self confidence too she says.
As luck would have it, they are having a "fresh meat" intake this weekend. Unfortunately I'm going to be up at Mooloolaba for the Triathlon festival but someone out there should give it a go and report back to me!!
You don't need anything for the tryout days - just a steely determination!
Brisbane City Rollers are excited to announce their second Fresh Meat Intake of 2010, kicking off on Sunday the 28th March from 4:45 at the Bundamba Skateaway, 21 Agnes Street, Bundamba 4304.
Training is $12 pp, skates and protective gear are available for hire.
The league is open to anyone over the age of 18 years, willing to strap on a pair of skates, girls and guys.
To register your interest, email brisbanecityrollers@gmail.com.
Or have a look at www.brisbanecityrollers.com for more info
I wonder what I'd call myself... maybe Ditzy Demon??