Roller Derby...the beginning

5th March 2011 is when I started my Roller Derby 'career (?) if that's what you want to call it.

I went along to Tiger Bay Brawlers' recruitment day to see what it was like and if I could actually skate!

I could skate, I wasn't invited to Fresh Meat but I was encouraged to go to Rec League and develop my skills, so that's what I've been doing ever since.

I now have my own kit - helmet, skates, wrist guards, elbow pads and knee pads.

I have watched my first Roller Derby Bout (CROCs vs Swansea City Slayers) and have been skating outdoors (which is quite scary!).

It's pretty evident from the blogs that I have been reading that when girls start roller derby, they can't stop...it generally takes over their life and they can't live without it. I have to say I have been bitten by the bug, but don't feel like I can commit to it as much as I would like to (responsibilities such as childcare!) BUT if I get accepted into Fresh Meat soon-ish, that will mean I will go on to practising twice a week (Tuesdays and Sundays)....I would love this, but It's still got to fit around family stuff...

So, we'll have to watch this space and see what happens....

Cardiff Roller Collective (CROC)
These guys are really friendly, they hold free-skates the Friday night before they bout on a Saturday, the next one is next Friday I think, so David, Ada and I will all be going!

Tiger Bay Brawlers
These guys are the most 'famous' Derby team in Wales and have set the standard for everyone else. I go to their Rec League practise sessions every Monday evening at the moment, and have found they are really friendly and supportive. They are very driven and definitely want to be the best team they can be, which they are! (probably why it's so hard to get into Fresh Meat!)