Revelstoke Roller Derby (RRD) is ready to bring a love for all things roller skates to Revelstoke this season. Whether you’re looking to try skating for the very first time, learn the basics of roller derby or just show off at one of the Roller Disco parties, RRD wants to be your connection.
Whitney “Tower of Power” Kendrick greeted newcomers at RRD’s info night March 25, hosted at the Regent Hotel. With a roller derby game on in the background, Kendrick broke down the rules of the game and how things have changed in the last ten years.
“It’s a game with a lot of strategy,” Kendrick told Revelstoke Mountaineer. “It looks like a lot of just hitting one another, but the strategy is constantly evolving and new plays are being developed.”
Established in 2011, RRD and their roller derby team, the Revelstoke Derailers received an outpouring of support, and Kendrick noted that nearly every home game was sold out. But a sport that’s more than just opposing teams trying to hit each other the hardest was leaving some audience members confused.
“It’s a really quirky sport,” Kendrick explained. “We’re hoping to really help educate folks about how it’s played when they come to see us.”
For those wanting a more hands-on approach to learning the sport, RRD is offering new skater training on Monday evenings, league training and open stake Mondays and Thursdays.
Taylor “George Sanderson” Sandell emphasized that RRD is open for anyone who wants to come try a pair of skates.
“We’re just folks who want to hang out and skate,” Sandell told guests. “If that’s you, we’ll find a place for you. Whether that’s a derby or just at the disco.”
Nothing excites the team more than folks coming for the learn-to-skate programs and falling in love with the sport.
“We get people who learn to skate and leave going, I want more! They fall in love with roller derby on the spot and hey, we’ll make it work for them,” Sandell said.
Revelstoke Derailers recently made the switch to being gender inclusive, one more step in being an accessible activity to as many as possible. It currently limits what teams the Derailers can play against, with league rules stipulating that all female teams are not required to compete against gender inclusive teams. But RRD’s focus remains on getting as many people on skates as possible, even if finances might be a barrier.
“Here’s our league rates, our class rates. Can’t afford it? Sliding scale then, what can you afford?” Stacie “Third Degree” Byrne told attendees. “We’ll find the grants, we’ll find the money. We’ll make it work.”
Skates and gear are available for rent for those joining the team and at events, but stock is limited. While roller derby requires roller skates, RRD says roller blades are acceptable at the learn-to-skate programs, open skates and at Roller Disco nights.
RRD uses the Revelstoke Forum for training, open skates, Disco Nights and home roller derby bouts. That reliance on a space that spends peak roller derby season time covered in ice means RRD is often competing and playing in the off season of regular league games.
“We’re playing with a condensed season, we’re playing with a smaller pool of teams,” Kendrick explained.
RRD has been involved in talks around Revelstoke’s proposed multiplex facility with hopes that an arena flood could be made available full-time. RRD explained they have reached out to Revelstoke Community Centre about using their multi-purpose room and to the local schools about using tier gyms, but concerns around insurance and flood damage has hindered that progress.
“We’re not going to beat up the floors, that doesn’t do us any good,” Kendrick said. “Before every game, every practice, every skate we’re cleaning and sweeping those floors so we can play safe.”
Not interested in putting on a pair of skates but still want to hang out with the RRD crew?
“Volunteer,” Sandell said. “There’s so many different volunteer spots we have. Whether you’re volunteering at a game or at the disco nights or just with our social media and promotions. Get in touch with us and we’ll find a spot for you.”
RRD’s four week learn-to-skate program starts Monday, April 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the Revelstoke Forum. The price is $60 for the four weeks with rentals provided, or $40 if you can bring your own gear. Roller Disco parties are scheduled for May 4, June 15 and July 13. More information about events and upcoming games can be found on RRD’s Facebook or Instagram page. Email [email protected] for more information, to register for events or to put your name down as a volunteer
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