The Fresh Meat Files
Confused? That's normal.
Take a look around. Consider this your Fresh Meat FAQ.
Don't see the what you need? Drop Tesla a line! She and Gravy will do their best to help.
Confused? That's normal.
Take a look around. Consider this your Fresh Meat FAQ.
Don't see the what you need? Drop Tesla a line! She and Gravy will do their best to help.
The FiveOnFive magazine Rookie Guide is a good read, and it's FREE to download. It's a compilation of rookie-centric articles from lots of issues. Learn a little about derby nutrition, stretching, off-skates conditioning, and some basic dos and don'ts of the derbs.
Q: How do I find a league?
A: Google is your friend. Live in Boise, Idaho? Google "Boise, Idaho roller derby" and see what you come up with. Most leagues, whether they are pro or recreational, have something on the web, even if it's a super crappy website with an email address. Live in a super small town? Is there a roller rink in town? If there's derby, chances are the folks at the rink know all about it. Most skaters travel a bit to play, so be prepared to do that. Tesla drives 30 miles to play, and many skaters all over the world drive much farther. The WFTDA (Women's Flat Track Derby Association) has a handy list of their leagues here. You may even want to peruse your little patch of land on the map of The Derbyverse to see if there is a derbier near you!
Q: There is no league near me. Now what?
A: This may not be what you want to hear if you're not a super social person, but... START ONE! The WFTDA has a great page about starting your own league, so be sure to check it out, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Is it worth it? YES.
Q: I need skates and pads. Where do I find that stuff? How do I know what to buy?
A: Click each piece of gear to be linked to a good beginner version of that item: You will need skates, a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and a mouth guard.
There are many websites that sell "Fresh Meat Packages" at really great prices, like these one-stop-shop deals at Bruised Boutique, and this pick-your-own pack at Fast Girl Skates. Derby is an investment, both in time and in money, but you don't have to break the bank to find out if you want to play. Facebook groups like Roller Derby Recyclables and Derby Deals are great places to find gear. You may even find a girl your size who is selling all of her fresh meat gear at once... score! Speaking of Facebook, check to see if the league you're looking to join has a page or group. Skaters in your area may have extra gear to sell or lend, and they'll probably have some good advice for you when you're ready to upgrade that gear. Yes, upgrade. If you decide to stick with this, you'll want to get better knee pads at least, and if you skimped even a LITTLE bit on that helmet, you'll want to be getting a really well-fitting replacement, and it sure as shit better be rated for multiple impacts. This is roller derby. You'll be kissing the ground once in a while.
If you're lucky enough to have a local derby shop (we have Medusa Skates here in Austin, TX and online), then you'll want to pay them a visit, and don't be shy! Sports stores, like Sun & Ski sports and Academy in the US, will also have beginner skates, so if you plan to buy online PLEASE see if you can try something on first. Fit is really tough to judge without trying a skate on your foot. All brands are totally different. Don't get saddled with a skate that doesn't fit. Most brands have fit guides on their websites. For many Riedell boots, especially for the most popular starter skate, the Riedell R3, I recommend buying 1.5 to 2 sizes down from your ladies shoe size. Tesla wears a size 9 street shoe, and a size 7 Riedell boot. Snugger is always recommended. Boots stretch and mold with heat and sweat!
Q: There sure are a lot of different types of wheels out there. Help!
A: The first thing many freshies upgrade/change in their set-up is their wheels. There is a school of thought that says you should be able to skate any wheels on any surface, but beginners should really find the best wheel for their surface and weight to give themselves the best start.
When searching wheels online, or borrowing wheels, you'll notice a couple of sets of numbers. One number is the hardness/durometer (88A, 93A, 98A, etc) and it tells you how hard or soft the material of the wheel is. The higher the number, the harder the wheel material. 78A = super soft and squishy. 103A = rock hard. The general rule is harder wheels for grippy indoor floors (sport court or coated concrete), and softer wheels for very slippery indoor floors (polished concrete or polished wood). For outdoor skating, soft durometers (78A-84A) are best so that twigs and rocks don't tip you on your butt. Marshmallowy soft wheels will roll right over those things, or send them pinging away from you without you losing your balance.
The second number is the size or dimensions of the wheel. Most wheels will be 62mm or 59mm tall, and will vary in widths from wide (44m) to mid/slim (38mm) to very slim (31mm). Beginners are best off starting on wider wheels for stability. Once you have your feet under you, try some slimmer wheels. You may love them!
The last factor in wheel choice is your weight and skating style. Generally, heavier skaters can tolerate a harder wheel, and lighter skaters may want a little bit softer wheel to grip around turns. The WFTDA has a good chart on this web page that may help you determine the correct wheel hardness for your weight and skating surface. If nothing else, it's a great place to start. Tesla is 5'7", 130 pounds, skates on a grippy sport court, and uses 94A wheels. On slippery concrete she uses 84A wheels.
Q: What is a "pusher wheel" and should I have one?
A: Well, maybe. Do you slide out on turns a little bit? A pusher wheel or two on each skate might help. Harder wheels help you roll faster and easier, but don't always grip as much as you'd like in the turns. There are many different types of pusher-wheel-set-ups to try, and they complement different skating styles. Once you've begun crossing over and really digging into turns, you may find that a slightly softer wheel on your front left wheels helps keep you in the game. Check out some of the basic pusher set-ups here.
Q: My skates are stiff/floppy when I skate. What's up with that?
A: First, check your wheels. The nuts holding them on should be screwed down to the point where the wheel spins freely, but doesn't slide back and forth more than a tiny bit on the axel. I like to tighten mine down until the wheel doesn't move, then untighten little by little, checking the wheel for spin each time. Once the wheel spins freely, rolling on its own for a good period of time, I leave it.
Next, check your trucks. If you have freshie skates, chances are you have two bolts on the bottom of each skate that adjust the tightness of your trucks. While standing on your skates, rock your feet to the outsides and then the insides. Do your trucks turn to allow your wheels to curve in the direction you're leaning? If your wheels are stuck still and aren't budging, you'll probably want to loosen those two bolts just a bit at a time and check them each time by doing that standing/leaning test. Once your trucks are just loose enough to allow those wheels to react to your rocking movements, go skate on them and test that out! Give it a bunch of laps and see how it feels. It will be a new sensation, and you might even loosen them a tad more once you get used to being able to move so freely. Just don't go nuts! How loose you need them in order for them to react depends on the hardness of your cushions (those rubbery gasket things) and your weight. It may not take much loosening to feel lots of movement, or it may take way too much and you're probably in need of a softer cushion.
If your problem is the opposite, your skates feel floppy (and they are properly laced), then do the same standing test. If your trucks move a ton, try tightening them down until they don't move at all and then follow the steps above, untightening little by little until the trucks are just reacting to your movements. If that doesn't help, your cushions may be too soft and marshmallowy for you. And, as always, ask a veteran skater if you can! "Hey, umm... are my skates supposed to do this?" One of the newest girls in my league asked me that question, then held her skate in the air. Her wheels were barely screwed on, and her trucks were looser than... ahem. You get it. Don't be shy about this stuff. Ask!
Q: What can I do to prepare and strengthen for derby?
A: Tons! Fresh Meat and scared? Go to the roller rink. Skate with friends. Humans learn so much more efficiently through play than you can imagine. Go play! Gearing up for a league try-out or recreational session? Visit Roller Derby Athletics to learn and see lots of workouts. Start a cardio program by jogging around the neighborhood. Jump rope for agility. Do some pilates or yoga to improve your core strength. Feeling adventurous? Rock climbing is a freaking fantastic core workout. Have some extra cash? Think about trying out a personal trainer to teach you good form and some basic routines to do at the gym. Crossfit isn't for everyone, but many people absolutely swear by it for off-skates training. Weightlifting is also a game-changer for derby skaters, so starting before you skate is a bonus!
Q: Is roller derby a good fitness program?
A: The short answer to this is yes, derby will give you a workout, and will likely improve your fitness in general. The long answer is something that most rollergirls and guys realize in their own in time: You don't do derby to get in shape. You get in shape to do derby. Even the most athletic ladies seem to find themselves lacking in some areas of fitness once they begin playing derby simply because derby is an anomaly. There aren't a lot of other sports that work the same muscles as derby, and require the same type of stamina. Interval training is the name of the game. Bursts of intense exercise (30 seconds to 2 minutes) followed by about 30 seconds of rest, multiplied over the course of 30 minutes. Rest for 15 minutes, then go again. That's a derby bout! Just add smashing into people and you're set.
When you find yourself huffing and puffing to keep up, you'll be kicking yourself for not being in better shape. Trust me. I used to think the only thing that could motivate me to run would be a carnivorous dinosaur chasing me. The burning desire to just be BETTER will kick you into gear and entice you to work out like maybe nothing ever has before. See the question above to find a super helpful link!
Q: Will I get hurt playing roller derby?
A: Yes. Roller derby is a full-contact sport, which is why you have to wear protective gear in order to play. Lots of things will hurt! Your ass as it hits the floor, your pride when you trip over your own feet, and your wallet when you need to replace your gear, but it's all just part of the game. Safety is a priority in derby, so listen to your body, and learn the basics backwards and forwards. No, really, backwards and forwards. Injuries are common in derby, but they are mostly sprains and muscle pulls, fully recoverable things. The best way to avoid an injury in derby is to know your limits, stretch stretch STRETCH, do strength training off-skates, and learn when to rest. Having a strong core will especially help you take and make solid hits without hurting yourself. Think your core is strong already? Maybe, but take The Standardized Roller Derby Fitness Test and find out. I bet you'll find some areas that need improvement. That sit-up portion of the test doesn't mess around. The main thing I'd like you to take away from this is that it's all worth it, and to not take hits personally. They are the point of the game. That might sound scary, but give it a chance. I bet you'll surprise yourself. Plus, hitting people, it turns out, is SUPER FUN.
Q: I am so super nervous and anxious. Halp?
A: Read this. It's all gonna be ok, honey.
Q: How do I pick a derby name? Do I have to?
A: You don't have to, but why not? A derby name is an alter ego. It's who you want to be, or maybe who you feel you really are inside. It's something you'll have plastered on your helmet and shirts, and it's what other skaters will call you, so consider that a bit. If you pick a super long name, your fellow skaters will call you by a short name. You may elect to just go by the short name alone. It can be whatever you want it to be, and, yes... some names are better choices than others. You can call yourself Smarty Pants, but just know that there is a world-renown skater by that name, and if you ever plan on playing in a travel team, you may want to have a back-up plan, so googling around will help. Keep in mind that derby is a family-friendly sport. There are junior leagues, and many fans are kids. There are derby name rosters, some out of date and some up-to-date, but if you only ever plan on playing recreationally, there is no real reason to NOT pick a name you like just because a girl on the other side of the country in a rec league is using it. I'd just make sure no one in your own recreational league has that name. Have big derby dreams and aspirations? Find a unique name and register it on one of the rosters! If the question of who-gets-the-name comes up, you'll have some ammo if you registered it. Whether you're going to use a derby name or not, make sure you also add your dot to THE DERBYVERSE MAP! You are roller derby now, baby.
Q: How do I find a league?
A: Google is your friend. Live in Boise, Idaho? Google "Boise, Idaho roller derby" and see what you come up with. Most leagues, whether they are pro or recreational, have something on the web, even if it's a super crappy website with an email address. Live in a super small town? Is there a roller rink in town? If there's derby, chances are the folks at the rink know all about it. Most skaters travel a bit to play, so be prepared to do that. Tesla drives 30 miles to play, and many skaters all over the world drive much farther. The WFTDA (Women's Flat Track Derby Association) has a handy list of their leagues here. You may even want to peruse your little patch of land on the map of The Derbyverse to see if there is a derbier near you!
Q: There is no league near me. Now what?
A: This may not be what you want to hear if you're not a super social person, but... START ONE! The WFTDA has a great page about starting your own league, so be sure to check it out, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Is it worth it? YES.
Q: I need skates and pads. Where do I find that stuff? How do I know what to buy?
A: Click each piece of gear to be linked to a good beginner version of that item: You will need skates, a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and a mouth guard.
There are many websites that sell "Fresh Meat Packages" at really great prices, like these one-stop-shop deals at Bruised Boutique, and this pick-your-own pack at Fast Girl Skates. Derby is an investment, both in time and in money, but you don't have to break the bank to find out if you want to play. Facebook groups like Roller Derby Recyclables and Derby Deals are great places to find gear. You may even find a girl your size who is selling all of her fresh meat gear at once... score! Speaking of Facebook, check to see if the league you're looking to join has a page or group. Skaters in your area may have extra gear to sell or lend, and they'll probably have some good advice for you when you're ready to upgrade that gear. Yes, upgrade. If you decide to stick with this, you'll want to get better knee pads at least, and if you skimped even a LITTLE bit on that helmet, you'll want to be getting a really well-fitting replacement, and it sure as shit better be rated for multiple impacts. This is roller derby. You'll be kissing the ground once in a while.
If you're lucky enough to have a local derby shop (we have Medusa Skates here in Austin, TX and online), then you'll want to pay them a visit, and don't be shy! Sports stores, like Sun & Ski sports and Academy in the US, will also have beginner skates, so if you plan to buy online PLEASE see if you can try something on first. Fit is really tough to judge without trying a skate on your foot. All brands are totally different. Don't get saddled with a skate that doesn't fit. Most brands have fit guides on their websites. For many Riedell boots, especially for the most popular starter skate, the Riedell R3, I recommend buying 1.5 to 2 sizes down from your ladies shoe size. Tesla wears a size 9 street shoe, and a size 7 Riedell boot. Snugger is always recommended. Boots stretch and mold with heat and sweat!
Q: There sure are a lot of different types of wheels out there. Help!
A: The first thing many freshies upgrade/change in their set-up is their wheels. There is a school of thought that says you should be able to skate any wheels on any surface, but beginners should really find the best wheel for their surface and weight to give themselves the best start.
When searching wheels online, or borrowing wheels, you'll notice a couple of sets of numbers. One number is the hardness/durometer (88A, 93A, 98A, etc) and it tells you how hard or soft the material of the wheel is. The higher the number, the harder the wheel material. 78A = super soft and squishy. 103A = rock hard. The general rule is harder wheels for grippy indoor floors (sport court or coated concrete), and softer wheels for very slippery indoor floors (polished concrete or polished wood). For outdoor skating, soft durometers (78A-84A) are best so that twigs and rocks don't tip you on your butt. Marshmallowy soft wheels will roll right over those things, or send them pinging away from you without you losing your balance.
The second number is the size or dimensions of the wheel. Most wheels will be 62mm or 59mm tall, and will vary in widths from wide (44m) to mid/slim (38mm) to very slim (31mm). Beginners are best off starting on wider wheels for stability. Once you have your feet under you, try some slimmer wheels. You may love them!
The last factor in wheel choice is your weight and skating style. Generally, heavier skaters can tolerate a harder wheel, and lighter skaters may want a little bit softer wheel to grip around turns. The WFTDA has a good chart on this web page that may help you determine the correct wheel hardness for your weight and skating surface. If nothing else, it's a great place to start. Tesla is 5'7", 130 pounds, skates on a grippy sport court, and uses 94A wheels. On slippery concrete she uses 84A wheels.
Q: What is a "pusher wheel" and should I have one?
A: Well, maybe. Do you slide out on turns a little bit? A pusher wheel or two on each skate might help. Harder wheels help you roll faster and easier, but don't always grip as much as you'd like in the turns. There are many different types of pusher-wheel-set-ups to try, and they complement different skating styles. Once you've begun crossing over and really digging into turns, you may find that a slightly softer wheel on your front left wheels helps keep you in the game. Check out some of the basic pusher set-ups here.
Q: My skates are stiff/floppy when I skate. What's up with that?
A: First, check your wheels. The nuts holding them on should be screwed down to the point where the wheel spins freely, but doesn't slide back and forth more than a tiny bit on the axel. I like to tighten mine down until the wheel doesn't move, then untighten little by little, checking the wheel for spin each time. Once the wheel spins freely, rolling on its own for a good period of time, I leave it.
Next, check your trucks. If you have freshie skates, chances are you have two bolts on the bottom of each skate that adjust the tightness of your trucks. While standing on your skates, rock your feet to the outsides and then the insides. Do your trucks turn to allow your wheels to curve in the direction you're leaning? If your wheels are stuck still and aren't budging, you'll probably want to loosen those two bolts just a bit at a time and check them each time by doing that standing/leaning test. Once your trucks are just loose enough to allow those wheels to react to your rocking movements, go skate on them and test that out! Give it a bunch of laps and see how it feels. It will be a new sensation, and you might even loosen them a tad more once you get used to being able to move so freely. Just don't go nuts! How loose you need them in order for them to react depends on the hardness of your cushions (those rubbery gasket things) and your weight. It may not take much loosening to feel lots of movement, or it may take way too much and you're probably in need of a softer cushion.
If your problem is the opposite, your skates feel floppy (and they are properly laced), then do the same standing test. If your trucks move a ton, try tightening them down until they don't move at all and then follow the steps above, untightening little by little until the trucks are just reacting to your movements. If that doesn't help, your cushions may be too soft and marshmallowy for you. And, as always, ask a veteran skater if you can! "Hey, umm... are my skates supposed to do this?" One of the newest girls in my league asked me that question, then held her skate in the air. Her wheels were barely screwed on, and her trucks were looser than... ahem. You get it. Don't be shy about this stuff. Ask!
Q: What can I do to prepare and strengthen for derby?
A: Tons! Fresh Meat and scared? Go to the roller rink. Skate with friends. Humans learn so much more efficiently through play than you can imagine. Go play! Gearing up for a league try-out or recreational session? Visit Roller Derby Athletics to learn and see lots of workouts. Start a cardio program by jogging around the neighborhood. Jump rope for agility. Do some pilates or yoga to improve your core strength. Feeling adventurous? Rock climbing is a freaking fantastic core workout. Have some extra cash? Think about trying out a personal trainer to teach you good form and some basic routines to do at the gym. Crossfit isn't for everyone, but many people absolutely swear by it for off-skates training. Weightlifting is also a game-changer for derby skaters, so starting before you skate is a bonus!
Q: Is roller derby a good fitness program?
A: The short answer to this is yes, derby will give you a workout, and will likely improve your fitness in general. The long answer is something that most rollergirls and guys realize in their own in time: You don't do derby to get in shape. You get in shape to do derby. Even the most athletic ladies seem to find themselves lacking in some areas of fitness once they begin playing derby simply because derby is an anomaly. There aren't a lot of other sports that work the same muscles as derby, and require the same type of stamina. Interval training is the name of the game. Bursts of intense exercise (30 seconds to 2 minutes) followed by about 30 seconds of rest, multiplied over the course of 30 minutes. Rest for 15 minutes, then go again. That's a derby bout! Just add smashing into people and you're set.
When you find yourself huffing and puffing to keep up, you'll be kicking yourself for not being in better shape. Trust me. I used to think the only thing that could motivate me to run would be a carnivorous dinosaur chasing me. The burning desire to just be BETTER will kick you into gear and entice you to work out like maybe nothing ever has before. See the question above to find a super helpful link!
Q: Will I get hurt playing roller derby?
A: Yes. Roller derby is a full-contact sport, which is why you have to wear protective gear in order to play. Lots of things will hurt! Your ass as it hits the floor, your pride when you trip over your own feet, and your wallet when you need to replace your gear, but it's all just part of the game. Safety is a priority in derby, so listen to your body, and learn the basics backwards and forwards. No, really, backwards and forwards. Injuries are common in derby, but they are mostly sprains and muscle pulls, fully recoverable things. The best way to avoid an injury in derby is to know your limits, stretch stretch STRETCH, do strength training off-skates, and learn when to rest. Having a strong core will especially help you take and make solid hits without hurting yourself. Think your core is strong already? Maybe, but take The Standardized Roller Derby Fitness Test and find out. I bet you'll find some areas that need improvement. That sit-up portion of the test doesn't mess around. The main thing I'd like you to take away from this is that it's all worth it, and to not take hits personally. They are the point of the game. That might sound scary, but give it a chance. I bet you'll surprise yourself. Plus, hitting people, it turns out, is SUPER FUN.
Q: I am so super nervous and anxious. Halp?
A: Read this. It's all gonna be ok, honey.
Q: How do I pick a derby name? Do I have to?
A: You don't have to, but why not? A derby name is an alter ego. It's who you want to be, or maybe who you feel you really are inside. It's something you'll have plastered on your helmet and shirts, and it's what other skaters will call you, so consider that a bit. If you pick a super long name, your fellow skaters will call you by a short name. You may elect to just go by the short name alone. It can be whatever you want it to be, and, yes... some names are better choices than others. You can call yourself Smarty Pants, but just know that there is a world-renown skater by that name, and if you ever plan on playing in a travel team, you may want to have a back-up plan, so googling around will help. Keep in mind that derby is a family-friendly sport. There are junior leagues, and many fans are kids. There are derby name rosters, some out of date and some up-to-date, but if you only ever plan on playing recreationally, there is no real reason to NOT pick a name you like just because a girl on the other side of the country in a rec league is using it. I'd just make sure no one in your own recreational league has that name. Have big derby dreams and aspirations? Find a unique name and register it on one of the rosters! If the question of who-gets-the-name comes up, you'll have some ammo if you registered it. Whether you're going to use a derby name or not, make sure you also add your dot to THE DERBYVERSE MAP! You are roller derby now, baby.