My least favorite questions when people find out I play roller derby. Sure, I realize that most people who are asking those dreaded questions are from the era when roller derby was more like how Wrestlemania is today. I take that as a chance for a “learning opportunity” as my teacher friends call it. The weirdest part: when I say we don’t do those things, they stop listening. C’est la vie. But since you’re still reading, I’ll give you the quick rundown. We skate flat track roller derby, not banked track. Don’t get me wrong, banked track roller derby is just as action packed, intense, and physical - it’s just different from what we play. If you want to see exciting banked track action and more of the old school roller derby, check out the San Francisco Bay Bombers or Texas Roller Derby! You will not be disappointed!
Roller derby has come a long way and is ever evolving. That’s what I like about the sport. I also appreciate that it is inclusive of folks of all shapes, sizes, and ages. I started when I was 41. I was at the Redwood Roller Rink at my niece’s birthday party in 2012. I saw a flyer and thought “Yup. I need to do that.” I didn’t even Google it. I just signed up on the spot. #noregrets! Oh how I wish it was around when I was a kid! It would’ve been so fun to turn my then hobby of roller skating into sport! (Shout out to our very own Peninsula Junior Derby!) #PJD
My entire life I’ve been sporty and on the larger side. Growing up I hated my body and hated that I didn’t look like my thin friends. Cut to now, and while I’m still big, I’m strong, athletic, and proud of what my body does for me on the track. I’m able to create holes off the line for my jammer, brace with my other blockers and create stability, and hip-check pretty hard. Now, at 49 I’m still loving every part of roller derby (RIP “2020 lost season”) and I’m so excited to start practicing again.
My point: DON’T LET AGE OR SHAPE STOP YOU FROM TRYING SOMETHING NEW AND EXCITING! I skate with people who never played a sport in their life and with people who actively run marathons and spartan races. Here’s a secret about me: I. Don’t. Run. (Not unless a scary clown is chasing me with a knife.) I choose other methods for exercise and we, as a league, encourage each other to focus on fitness over body image.
We’re excited to share roller derby with all people and hope you’ll join us!
#peninsularollerderby #ageisjustanumber #sizedoesnotmatter #playrollerderby