Is it your first time going to a roller derby? Roller derbies are fun and exciting. Except, you should be aware of the necessary items that you should wear and take with you. No need to worry, this article is here to help. Get a pencil and write down this helpful advice about roller derbies.
Wear a Comfortable Attire
When going to a roller derby the last thing you are going to wear is that gorgeous tux that looks terrific on you. Except, that tux is not appropriate to wear in this setting. Instead, dress in something comfortable. Dress like an athlete. Roller derby is a highly athletic sport. You should dress like an athlete for practice so that you feel comfortable. Clothes that don’t fit right are only going to drag you down.
What Shirts Should I Wear?
The right shirt is everything. Trust me, you are going to be sweating a lot. Instead of ruining that good business outfit that you wear to those meetings, take another look through your drawers. Because you are going to be sweating buckets, wear breathable shirts. Make sure what you wear is easy to move around in. Is it comfortable enough to wear? Take note of the weather. On those hot summer days, you should look into wearing tank tops. Tank tops are very popular.
As for women, search for a good sports bra that gives a lot of support. Sports bras are ideal. Roller derby is fast so you want to make sure you have all the support you need in that area. The last thing you want to be doing is constantly tugging and pulling at your bra to make sure it fits. Roller derby is all about concentration so now is not the time to get distracted.
What Should I Wear for Pants
As I mentioned, roller derby is all about sweating. Before you decide to wear shorts as a way to stay cool, you might want to think that plan through again. You need to protect your legs as best as you can. Roller Derby gets physical. It is very likely that you are going to fall down and scrape your knees.
Wear pants like capris, leggings, or compression pants. Compression pants are the best to keep circulation flowing through the legs. You can still wear shorts. Just wear them with leggings. Buy a pair of comfortable sports shorts. These allow players to move around comfortably.
Keep your legs covered during roller derby training sessions, especially when you’re in a period where you fall down. You should be able to slide without scraping up your knees leaving hideous ugly bruises and cuts. In case you thought it was a myth, rink rash is a real thing. Believe the stories about injuries.
Tip for Under the Pants
We have to talk about what you should wear under your pants. Yes, it is important to wear underpants, but you need to wear a certain type of underpants. When you are doing all the drills on roller derby your clothing will be pulled around in every direction. Your pants may even fall down. Wear underwear and don’t moon everyone at the rink. Not a pretty sight.
Should I Wear Socks?
Yes! Yes! Yes! No roller derby player should ever go without socks. Buy the best pair of socks that you can find. Knee-high socks are good for helping to prevent scrapes on your shins.
There’s a wide assortment of terrific socks to represent your personality during practice. Stripes are popular among skaters. Padded, athletic socks are effective in limiting nasty blisters and other sores due to friction. Your feet are constantly rubbing against your shoes. A tip for all skaters who are breaking in new skates, always wear socks.
Wearing Safety Pads
One reason why you should wear clothing that expands on your body is so you’ll have room to wear padding. Do not, and I repeat this, do not get involved in roller derby without wearing the correct safety padding. Wear knee pads, elbow pads, and always wear a helmet. And a mouthguard. We are not kidding when we say how physical roller derby is.
You should own your own safety equipment. Never use somebody else’s helmet. Or other equipment, too.
Experiment
Everybody wears what they want to wear to a roller derby. For the first-timers out there, quit all that investigating around the Internet. Go with what you feel is right. Experiment to see what you are comfortable wearing.
What Should I Bring?
Here is where you should pay extra attention. Bring a bag. Not just any bag. Pack this bag with essential items. Store as many items in this bag without going overboard. Remind yourself that you are not packing your entire house in this bag and only the essentials that you need for the evening.
- Bring Your Skates
Your skates are the #1 priority when going to a roller derby. If you forget those, it is an embarrassment. Make sure that your skates are in the best condition. And be sure that your skates fit comfortably. When trying on skates at a store near you be sure that your toes have enough space.
Pack extra laces, wheels, and axle nuts. Always be prepared. Not just for you, but somebody else on your team may need them.
- Bring a First Aid Kit
Roller Derbies get physical. In your bag of important items, have your very own personal first aid kit. Put bandaids in, rubbing alcohol, and other little tools if you have a nasty fall.
- Water. Lots of Water
You are going to be sweating a heck of a lot during these matches. Always have a water bottle on hand. Or two. Hydrate on the water whenever you can during brakes.
- Take a Snack
Nobody should skate on an empty stomach. It’s not good for the mind. Pack a healthy snack instead of items that have tons of sugar and salt. When participating in roller derby be healthy and make the best decisions for you.
- Have a Towel on Hand
Bring a towel with you. Because we have been talking about sweat a lot, you bet that you are going to be sweating a ton. During breaks, have a towel to wipe that dripping sweat off your face.
Other than a towel, have hand wipes on hand (no pun intended). In case that the venue does not have a shower, wipe down your pits with a wet wipe. It’s no fun going home with sticky pits.
- Bring Shampoo
This is for after the game that is. As we mentioned regarding the wet wipes, you should take a shower after the match. That is not an option. Bring shampoo, soap, and shower gel with you.
- A Change of Clothes
Are you telling me that you are going out to eat wearing the stinky, sweaty clothes that you had on for the roller derby matches? Oh no, no, no, you need to bring a change of clothes with you. Going home in an outfit that drenched in your own sweat is not comfortable. Be smart, and pack clothes.
After a long and tough match, your feet are screaming to get out of those roller skates. Remember to bring a change of shoes with you.
- Bring Skate Mechanics
Every player should have skate mechanics on them in case their skates break apart. Players should acquire knowledge on how to take care of their skates. The pounding endured by skates during these matches, wheels, and bearings often requires attention from someone versed in repair and maintenance work.
- Bring Something to Occupy Your Time
In the case that you are traveling for roller derby or have some downtime bring something to fill in space. Of course, it is important to socialize with your team players, quiet time is nice too. Items to bring are a book, MP3, writing materials, or whatever you want to take as long as it is not distracting to other team members.
- Packing a Phone Charger
You bet that it is essential to pack your phone charger. Never let your phone run out of power. How are you going to get home from the game if you need a ride? Pack your phone charger in an area of your back that is secluded. Phone chargers are popular. Meaning they get stolen a lot.
- A Good Attitude
Leave your sour attitude at home. Roller derby is a physical challenge. It is a tough experience. Bring a good attitude and positivity. Everybody falls in roller derby. Instead of making a tantrum, get right back up.
Play fair. It’s very likely that another player is going to get in your face and try to knock you off your feet. Like those bullies or people that you avoided in school, do what you did there. Ignore them. Don’t stoop to someone else’s level to get revenge for something so little.
