Maria

I decided I wanted to tryout for the roller derby team a few months ago. The only problem? I didn’t skate!

I went skating maybe 5 times a kid and never got more than arms length away from the wall. So at the first new girl practice, I was the girl barely standing on skates as others whizzed by me. I wobbled as I slowly made it around the track, never lifting my feet. Fast forward two months and I’m one of the fastest new girls out there!

So how’d I do it? Practice. And lots of it. I’ve been skating averaging 8hours a week skating for the past two months.

My tips…

1. If you’re worried about falling, get pads. They’re required for roller derby. You can get a cheap set for $20 at Target. Wrist guards and knee pads are the most important. You may look a bit dorky at the rink, but not having a broken wrist is pretty fantastic. Plus, if you’re not worried about falling as much, you can get better faster.

2. Start slow. Do what you can at first. For me that meant doing a lot of what we call watermelons until I was comfortable on skates. Keeping all the skates wheels on the ground and making a D-shape with your leg on each side.

3. Push yourself. Make yourself try things that are a little beyond your skill level. If you’re an absolute beginner. Start picking up your feet a little. Even if it’s just once around the track. Make yourself do it. Once you get comfortable skating, start doing crossovers on the corners. For me that meant not quite crossing over at first, but picking up my right leg and moving it toward my left leg. Then, I eventually crossed it over. Then finally after a lot of practice picking up my left leg too.

4. Keep your knees bent. It helps keep you balance. Just don’t lean too far forward or you’ll fall over.

5. Don’t be afraid to fall. Oddly, if you’re not falling, you’re not learning. Falling happens when you’re trying something new. It happens to everyone. Get back up. Keep skating. Note: Falling also happens when some 8 year old zips in front of you. But the same advice applies.

6. Keep trying. Most people aren’t born knowing how to roller skate. They spent a lot of time learning.