Guide to Roller Derby Attire
Roller derby is a sport that has become an increasingly popular competitive activity for women. The speedy, and often dangerous, sport was born in the mid-1930s as a simple roller skating marathon, but within a few years it morphed into the highly physical, knock-em-down event that it remains to this day. If you are interested in getting involved in roller derby, you have to get fit and learn the rules of the game. You also need to have the correct attire, which is part fashionable and part functional. Does this Spark an idea?
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United Skates
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Roller derby skates at a competition in Melbourne, Australia show the preference for low top, four-wheel skates. The first thing a future roller girl will need is skates. Quad skates are the preferred style of footwear; due to the retro nature of most derby leagues, inline skates are frowned upon. Low top skates are recommended, since models that lace above the ankle hinder movement and lead to slower skating. The right size is also crucial, so be sure to get fitted when you are shopping for your skates.
It's All in Your Head
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Orange Ruffie of Smash Malice puts her helmet on before a match. Roller derby is fast and can be as dangerous as riding a bike on a busy street. Therefore, a helmet is of utmost importance. A bicycle helmet certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission will fulfill all of your roller derby needs. Like skates, the helmet must fit well and be worn properly: Wear it parallel to the ground -- do not tip it backwards -- with the straps adjusted so that the chin guard fits comfortably snug. To protect your teeth, you need a mouth guard, which can be found at sporting goods stores.
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Joints
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Armageddon of the Comic Slams wears protective guards on her wrists. Roller derby is very physical and involves a lot of falling down on hard wood surfaces. Therefore, you'll need to protect your knees, wrists and elbows to prevent broken bones. Wear the same type of knee pads that skateboarders wear; it's best to buy them in person so you can try them on. When you are choosing your knee pads, pick up a pair of pads for your elbows, too. Wrist guards are also essential. Often when you fall down, you'll instinctively try to brace yourself with your hands. In these instances, padded guards will protect your wrists from injury.
Dress You Up
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Suzy Hotrod wears short shorts and fishnets, both of which are popular with derby girls. Putting together your derby uniform is where you can get creative. While you will be wearing the same T-shirt as your teammates, you can personalize your uniform to make it unique. Fishnet stockings are a roller derby mainstay, and they are often worn strategically ripped. If tights aren't your thing, then perhaps striped knee high socks are more your style. On the bottom, you'll either need a pair of short shorts or a tiny mini skirt. If you wear a skirt, don't forget the bloomers.
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References
- Photo Credit Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images Robert Cianflone/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images Ezra Shaw/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images
