Roller Derby Gear Shopping List for new skaters
- Roller Derby skates
- Roller Derby Knee pads
- Roller Derby Elbow pads
- Roller Derby Wrist guards
- Roller Derby Helmet
- Mouth guard (Can be bought at sportchek or canadian tire)
- A waterbottle
- Skate tool (essential)
ROLLERGIRL and BAD GIRLFRIEND SKATES are the two most popular and knowledgable places to buy ‘new skater’ (or also called ‘fresh meat’) packages.
Rollergirl is located 185 East 11th Avenue, Vancouver, BC and the closest place to try brand new gear in person.
Either skate shop can help you purchase by phone as long as you have a measuring tape and your child with you when calling. They will ask you to measure calves, arms and even go so far as to have you trace your child’s foot for exact measurements and telephone ordering.
If you are looking to purchase used, try looking in a roller derby specific facebook group such as: “2019 Vancouver Island Derby Gear Exchange”.
What to look for in gear:
SKATES: Make sure you purchase ‘roller derby’ skates. Skates must fit snug fitting but not hurt. Your child will develop new foot muscles, so be careful of the difference between sore feet from being a new skater or skates that actually fit poorly and hurt their feet. Skates brands come in different widths such as shoes do – skinny or wide feet will fit different brands and models of skates. Please note – make sure you purchase Roller Derby skates with adjustable toestops – many ‘park’ skates do not have this option and this will be a feature skaters will need.
WHEELS: Skateshops will generally sell a ‘grippier wheel’ to new skaters. If they want to know, we practice on an indoor wooden floor. If your child loves skating you may consider investing in an outdoor wheel for good weather and summer outdoor skating, but outdoor wheels are too slow for our floors.
PADS: Wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads must fit snuggly and not be able to slide. Tape can be used to hold them in place if they are a bit loose – you should not be able to push them down (this is a danger and can cause serious injury if a skater falls).
TOE STOPS: Your skates must have adjustable toe stops. Please avoid black toe stops as they mark our gym floor. Gumball, Bionic or similar stoppers are a good start. Many people feel more secure when learning to do toe-stop work with a flat bottomed stop, and do not feel secure on ‘carerra’ stoppers.
READ MORE HERE: https://www.rollergirl.ca/misc/roller-derby-fresh-meat-file.html
CLOTHING
Junior skaters are encouraged to express their individuality while recognizably identifying themselves as members of a team. Coaches will address any issues one-on-one.
- No excessive cleavage (A sports bra is recommended)
- Pants/shorts that do not fall down during practice or hinder movement. Jean shorts are ok but jeans are not
- No butt cheeks hanging out
- Fishnets may be worn over tights
A note on gear….
It shouldn’t be left in a gear bag at the back of a car for days on end. Gear should be aired out to dry after practices and washed regularly or it becomes very stinky. (Mouthguards need to be washed too!!!!!!!!!!!!)