KRG are holding our next open day evening on September 3rd at our home track, the Bay Arena in Herne Bay. To celebrate we’ve asked previous open day attendees to tell us their stories…
What (if any) other sports do you play?: Currently none, I used to play Airsoft regularly with my team but haven’t been able too since moving to Canterbury. I do pole fitness and like going to the gym but never got into any other team sports.
How did you find out about KRG?: I saw an advert on Facebook for a home game in Herne Bay, it was the week before the open day so I figured I would go along and check it out.
How long did it take you to figure out how the game works?: I would like to say I know how it works after watching a few games and practise runs in training, but I am sure I have lots more rules to learn.
Do you want to be a blocker or a jammer?: Being a blocker seems to be more fun, but I can still barely stop myself, let alone anyone else! I do however like skating at speed, or at least the idea of being able to skate at speed! So I feel I may end up aiming for Jammer.
Is there a story behind your derby name/number?: I wanted to be a Palaeontologist since before I can remember, unfortunately life took a different route but my dinosaur obsession remains. I figured the T-Rex would be the most intimidating dinosaur to use and Beckysaurus Rex sprang to mind, to be shortened to B-Rex. Someone at work suggested the Wrex to be more “intimidating!”.
Toughest skill you’ve learned/trying to master?: My original skating experience comes from skateboarding, so to have wheels on separately feet was a new experience as they don’t like to work as a team. More recently I have been trying to get skating backwards but my legs just refuse and I am currently relying on gravity!
Were you nervous coming to the open day?: Yes. My anxiety had me sitting in the car for a good few minutes before excitement took over and I decided to go for it. The second I walked through to the changing room I forgot all about my nervousness, and dove in. Loved it ever since, even on wobbly days!
First impressions of KRG?: I honestly wouldn’t be able to pin it down, other than the fact they are patient and full of encouragement. KRG is made up of so many different people, with different skills, abilities and backgrounds.
What skates/pads do you have/like?: I currently have some second hand Riedells which are great, but I could do with some wider skates so will be looking to upgrade to a wider brand soon.
Any tips for newbies starting their roller derby journey?: Have patience! In yourself, in your kit and in your fellow newbies. You may take to derby straight away, you may not find your inner skater until you have the perfect skates and wheels. Stick with it though, as the simplest changes can make the biggest difference!
