Roller Derby: Week 2

So, to make up for missing Monday I knew I had to go along to Funky’s skating on Friday. It wasn’t a derby session but during the day a lot of the girls go along because it’s quiet.

I’m going to be honest here because I think getting this down is going to help me in the future. Bunn the Baker had worked the previous night so wasn’t coming along. She’s the only derby girl that I actually know. The others are amazing but I only know them as acquaintances and on Facebook.

The thought of going into a newish situation without the buffer of a friend I’ve had for years was a little scary. Throughout Friday morning I was talking myself out of going but I knew that I had to get over that anxiety and go play.

So, so glad I did.

Not only is everyone amazing, helpful and patient but I found my confidence again. Because I don’t have pads (yet!) I couldn’t do a lot of the stuff that I’d do at normal practice where I can borrow the proper kit. However, I did get to try some wheels.

I was going to try some 92a wheels (the number is the hardness, harder than the 90a wheels I’d borrowed from Bunn the Baker) but they wouldn’t fit on my skates. I then got try some 88a wheels. They’re grippier which means they are slower but less slippery.

Wheels aren’t quick to change so thank you to everyone who sat with me for an hour swapping bearings and wheels and back again.

When I got out on the rink, I instantly felt more stable. There’s some sort of problem with my skates though which means wheels don’t go on very well and I still have one foot that turns in. Watch this space, though, there are new skates in my future.

Derby really is changing my life not only am I meeting amazing people and getting some exercise but it’s helping me get over issues like this silly anxiety.

As a bonus, when I got home I had some awesome stuff waiting for me. Full reviews/outfit posts coming soon.

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