I have always been interested in Roller Derby. It looks like it's a good workout, it looks like it's exhilarating, it looks like a good way to relieve stress and it just looks like everyone is having a good time. 

So when I heard the Rockyview Roller Derby Association was hosting a Try-It night in Cochrane I just had to try. 

I roped my friend Jennifer Connolly into joining me at the event and we had a blast!

There were so many ladies who came out to give it a go that they didn't have enough roller skates for all of us to wear. They split the group into two. My group started on skates and once I got geared up (with a little help) with the skates, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards and a helmet I was ready to try Roller Derby.

I almost wiped out as I got out of my chair but somehow I managed to stay up on my feet. I have only tried roller skating once or twice in my life. I used to roller blade quite a bit and I skated a lot when I was a kid and still get out to do that a few times a year. Roller skating is very different than rollerblading and ice skating. I find turning a lot more difficult, stopping is a skill I haven't mastered and while I was standing there waiting for directions I was always slowly moving backwards... 

I was told by some of the ladies running the event that they teach you everything you need to know. If you join the league you start out as "Fresh Meat". You go through an intense training process before you're able to join the league and take part in any games. 

While we were on our skates we practiced a few different types of falls. The instructors showed us how to stop and had us try to skate backwards. We even jumped over small pylons. I was impressed with how well everyone was doing. Hardly anyone bit it (myself included)!

Halfway through we did a switch and the other group put on skates and my group tried the game of Roller Derby in our socks. 

I got to be the player who had to force my way through the other players. It was hard! There are so many rules. I was told we can't pinch and hit etc etc. I didn't really know what I was doing but I successfully plowed my way through the group of women a few times and got past them. It was hard with no skates on I can't imagine how difficult it would be with skates on. 

All-in-all I really enjoyed the evening. I love the skating aspect and improving my skills, I also love the idea of getting together with this group of ladies and just having a lot of fun. 

If you're interested in Roller Derby beginner skaters practice every Friday evening in Cochrane and can also practice once a week in Airdrie and the hope is to establish a team in Cochrane in 2020.

More information can be found here 

- Lauren