Adventures in Roller Derby: Episode 1, Newbie

    

     A few days ago, I was told by my doctor that I needed to retire from skating roller derby if I wanted to avoid surgery on my knee, and wanted to be walking at 50.  It is a tough pill to swallow.  Derby is more than you may think...or maybe you know exactly what I mean.  It's still such a fresh experience, that I honestly haven't reconciled the reality that I will not be bouting this season.  I had been battling with the effects that my most beloved sport was inflicting on my body, but when the decision was basically made for me, it was kind of a relief...but then the reality of it was heartbreaking.  No more Roller Derby?  AvaLanche has to retire?  I knew the state of my knees (having already undergone surgery 3 years ago) were on borrowed time, but...this wasn't what I expected.  I imagined my retirement would come from a gratuitous hit in the middle of an intensely exciting bout.  Nope, a walk on the beach and running with my son.  Yup.  It was that simple.  Damn aging body.

     Needless to say, (although I am a fan of redundancy so I will say it again), I am not having an easy time with the whole thing.  I decided that perhaps retelling my adventures in derby would help me to come to terms with the fact that my role in derby is evolving, and although competitive skating is not on my agenda, other exciting roles eagerly await.  I was told once by one of my professors that change, whether positive or negative, has to be dealt with in order for it to become an effective piece of your puzzle.  So, here is my "dealing" with this huge change.  I hope you enjoy the stories...I have enjoyed living them.

     Derby is the one of my most significant life experiences, ranking up there with getting married and having kids.  I hear sentiments like this regarding roller derby almost as often and dirty dishes keep reappearing.  Is serves so many purposes for so many different men and women.  It truly is amazing.  The sport itself and the community of people involved are absolutely unique and incredible.  There is nothing like it.  If you aren't familiar with derby...look up a local bout to attend.  You'll see what I mean and most likely be hooked forever.  My story starts as a happy little accident when I saw a flyer in a shop window.  (Yes! leaving flyers in businesses really does work for recruiting!)  I was looking for something to suit my love of aggressive sports and competitive play...plus, I was looking for a way to have fun exercising.  Perfect! I was gonna be a roller girl!!  Had I really ever skated before? Nope.  But, it said right there on the flyer "NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! WE WILL TEACH YOU!"  Then, my head gets all up in the mix of my new mission.  "Wait, Hold on. Reality check, Jenn.  You have NEVER skated, don't own skates, don't know anyone, had never even really seen roller derby, and have absolutely no clue."  Bah! "So what", I said.  Mustered up every ounce of courage I could and (with an also interested co-worker by my side) went to an orientation meeting.  It was raining and there was no one on skates.  Huddling under the limited shelter listening to these incredible and strong women talk...I was IN.  200%. Only problem now?  I had to come up with some skates. Oh, and I had to learn how to skate.  No biggie, right?
     
     My first pair of skates were a pair of old Riedell Carreras (affectionately known to some as "ankle biters").  I found them for 25.00 bucks on Ebay.  I rounded up assorted protective gear from my sons' collection.  Bought myself a cheap 5 dollar mouth guard that was absolutely giant.  I was all set.  Little detail I chose to overlook...those skates I scored on Ebay were a size too small.  Meh, it'll be fine.  Right?  So I start Boot Camp.  I was so thankful that no one knew me by name and I could hide in anonymity. Seriously, I was like a baby giraffe on ice.  Ridiculous, really.  Gratefully, my coaches repeatedly said that everyone starts like that. I am determined.  I will do this.  Over the course of my 8 week bootcamp, I worked, I learned, and I improved.  I also cracked my tail bone and lost both my big toenails.  But, I passed my test (by the skin of my teeth) and sure as shit, I was a friggen' roller girl.  Damn straight!  I was an official skating member of South Coast Roller Derby.  I had no idea that this was just the beginning of the adventure of a lifetime, presenting some of the most joyous, intense, and excruciating experiences ever.

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