So you’ve decided that you want to be in roller derby eh? Well, it’s time to gear up! Don’t be intimidated by all the different brands, types of wheels, models of skates, and colorful knee socks you’ll see out there – here’s your guide to what you need, and where to get it!
The Gear Hookup List
Your Skates: It’s really easy to want the biggest baddest pair of skates out there when you first start – they’re all so awesome looking, and you just know you’ll go super fast in that $300 pair of speed skates! You’re just starting in junior roller derby though, and I assure you, super expensive skates aren’t going to make you fall down any less.
For the littlest kids, we suggest the Schwinn Quad Skates, which you can find at Target for about 30 bucks. These are great for a couple of reasons – one, you aren’t going to drop a lot of cash on skates, when you aren’t sure your little punk is going to want to do this after all; two – they’re adjustable, so if your kid is Minor Threats next jam king/queen, these skates will grow with them.
For the older crew, you can check out the cheap-o skates at some of the Las Cruces sports stores – but you’re not going to find much that’s going to last you a long time. They tend to have a brand of skate called “Rollerderby” and I can’t stress enough that these are not roller derby skates. Your best best, is a $70 pair of Volts, made by Reidell. You won’t find these in Las Cruces, but you can order them online. My favorite place for junior derby gear is Rollergirl.ca. Yes, I know they’re in Canada. Believe me when I say our northern neighbors have awesome customer service, and get your skates to you as quickly as customs approves them! Follow their directions on sizing your skates carefully!
Wheels: If you buy the Target skates, you might want to pick up a pair of cheap-o wheels online, and some crappy bearings to go with them. The Target skates come with scary plastic wheels. Sirius or any of the other roller girls with Minor Threat can show you how to pry off that crap, and put on some decent wheels.
The wheels the Volts come with actually aren’t too bad for the surfaces we skate, so you’re probably ok for now. When you’re ready for some new fancy schmancy wheels, let one of us know, and we’ll give you the poop on what kind, and how much!
Your Pads: Pads are really important. Do you like your knees? How about your wrists? Yeah, I thought so. You need good pads, and you need them now. My favorite brand of pads is 187, but they can be difficult to find in junior sizes; if you can wear a small in 187′s, and feel like dropping the cash, they are truly wonderful. (Here’s a place that’s selling a 6-pack of 187 junior pads for $35 – an amazing price. Thanks to Auntie Thesis for the link!)
However, for most of the really little kids, the Razor pads at Target are ok to start with. Don’t get the wimpy pink and blue Disney ones – you need something with a hard shell, and a good foam pad. You can get the Razor pads in a pack that includes knees, elbows, and wrist guards for about $20 bucks. You will eventually need to buy nicer pads for the kids though, once they get old enough for full contact, you’ll want the best protection available.
Again, Rollergirl.ca has Jr. pads available – The pads they offer are Triple 8 brand – a brand trusted by derby girls the world over. If you or your kiddo is on the skinny side, get the x-tra small pads. If you have no idea – call them up or email them, and they will be happy to help you decide what size to buy! Knee and elbow pads are going to run you about $30 bucks per set, and wrist guards about $20. I know, it’s a lot of money you’re laying out for this sport, but believe me when I say, pay the money for the good pads!
Your Helmet and Mouthguard: Your helmet is possibly the most important investment you make in you or your childs safety. Bike helmets are unacceptable as protection for roller derby. What you need is a good skate helmet. I personally skate with ProTec helmets, because I can find them locally, and they fit my noggin really well. Zumiez carries them at the mall here in Las Cruces, one of the few places you can buy some of your roller derby gear in town. They usually run about $30. Make sure it fits snugly, the guys at Zumiez have been great, they’ll let you try them on.
If they don’t have a helmet that fits you or your kid, order one online. Rollergirl.ca has them in Jr. sizes, the S-One OG is a nice helmet for kids.
You must also have a mouthguard for this sport, because if you do take a blow to the head it will help guard against concussion, and protect your pearly whites. These can be had at most sports stores, and are the same kind football players use. I suggest the boil and bite ones.
But I’m laaaaaazy and I want to just buy it all at once! I know. I’m lazy too. And I bought all of my kids gear in one big package at Rollergirl.ca. This awesome package has every single thing you need to get started, for $170.00. Click, ship, DONE.
Now, come on out and SKATE!
Sam Heinous
