What equipment does a Rollergirl need?

Gear-wise, I’ve tried to compile a basic list of everything you’ll need. Obviously for each item, it will range from the cheap options through to the very expensive. I’d recommend against the cheapest ones (basic SFR pads won’t last long and the really cheap old school skates are going to hinder your progress at some point and you’ll end up buying new ones anyway). Look around at what the girls at practice have and feel free to ask them to try on for size! This list is not comprehensive and you might find things that work better for you than what is here, this is just a basic guide to advise, any questions just ask me. All views and recommendations in here are my own personal thoughts and all skaters are advised to make up their own minds on various brands. Compiled for ARRG by Switchblade Scarlet.

Skates

There are lots of different types of skates out there. Riedell are the most common derby skate, and most of our girls start with the Riedell R3’s, as these are the best skate that’s still reasonably priced when you’re first starting out. They will set you back about £90, but they do last – I’ve had mine a year and a bit now, skating on them twice a week, and they are still pretty good. There are more expensive Riedells, which some of our girls splashed out on, and if you can afford it then go for it! There are also skates cheaper than the R3’s but I’d advise that if you find you are going for skates less than £50 they won’t last long at all. Try to avoid the skates with the high sides that come above your ankle – they’ll restrict movement. Also try to avoid the ‘rollerdisco’ style skates, most girls end up sore when skating much in these. There are some other brands making similar style quad skates to Riedells – Rock, Quadline, Cobra.

Helmet

Nutcase is currently our sponsor – and as people on the team got a helmet I have to tell you how great they are!! Actually, they are pretty good, the fit is snug and comes with 2 sizes of padding, plus the designs are pretty funky. I also have a standard helmet from Route One, and I quite like that too. So it’s up to you where you get them from, as long as it fits snugly and doesn’t come loose, then it’s all good.

Knee Pads

Good knee pads are a MUST! Your knees are taking the full force of your body in many falls, so the thicker, most expensive knee pads you can afford will be the best! Don’t bother buying the SFR (knee/elbow combo pack) as they will be wrecked quickly, and don’t offer the level of protection that we need. The minimal type of pads you want to invest in would be Triple8 brand, or Anarchy. Moving up from there you have the Rector Fat Boys, The 187’s and the TSG ones. These 3 are what you want to aim for when you can afford it! Personally I use the Anarchy pads at the moment, and they really are the minimum you want to go for. Check out the other girls pads at practice and ask to try on if you want to know sizing.

187’s knee
TSG Pads
Anarchy Pads
Rector Fat Boys

Elbow Pads
This is pretty much the exact same advice as for knee pads – same brands too.

SFR ‘Bumper Pack’. Knee and Elbow pads are likely to wear out quickly, but wrist guards not too bad.

Wrist Guards

Wrist guards are super important, don’t stand up til you put these on, as if you slip and put your arm out to break your fall you’re going to break your wrist without guards! I actually use the original SFR ones that I bought a year ago, but they are pretty wrecked. All the other brands make guards too, and really it’s down to personal choice which type you get. Some go on like gloves, some strap on, some have protection on both sides, some have guarding just on the palm side. It’s up to you! Again ask around at practise to see the different types and try on for size.

Mouthguard

You can get these at most high street sports shops, they come in all shapes and sizes, again it’s down to personal preference, as long as you have one!

For budding referees – You’ll need all of the above, but also a striped (black and white) top, and a whistle! Sin City has a good selection of referee clothing.

You may also want to invest in:
Outdoor wheels

Don’t skate in your normal wheels outside! You’ll wreck them and mess up your bearings! Invest in a pair of outdoor wheels, they’ll be about £30 and are worth it for all the outdoor skating fun to be had (We regularly go down to Cramond or the Meadows for a skate about).

Outdoor stoppers

Your normal stoppers are pretty soft and get scabbed up when you use them outside
Spare set of bearings for outdoor wheels
Saves you changing the bearings every time you change wheels, and means your indoor bearings stay in the best condition!

Toe covers

Definitely invest in these, it will save the front of your nice new skates getting worn away by all the stops and falls!

Padded shorts

To protect your coccyx (tailbone), bum and thighs when you fall. A very good idea and you get lots of different style shorts, so you don’t have to choose the cryton ones!

Where to Buy:

Hoppys Hockey Locker
01382 858560, Dundee Ice Arena, Camperdown Leisure Park, Dundee, DD2 3SQ

For skates, wheels and some basic equipment – they stock and supply Riedells and will measure your foot specifically for Riedell sizing. Downside is that you have to get up there to see it/get it.
Mention that you are with Auld Reekie Roller Girls and I think you get a discount.

Everglides
http://www.everglides.co.uk/ 02392 594352
Based in Hampshire, they have a good range of skates, pads, and accessories. You can buy online, and the delivery is cheap. They do a 10% discount for Auld Reekie girls. You can also order custom skates / equipment by phoning John on the number above.

Nutcase
http://www.nutcasehelmets.com
Our lovely helmet providing sponsors!

Route One
Skate shop on Cockburn Street in Edinburgh. Some of our lovely rollergirlies and friends also work in here so can help you out. They don’t have skates but they do have bearings, pads, helmets and accessories.

Sin City Skates
http://sincityskates.com/
The online shop of dreams! Derby owned and run by the awesome Ivana Spankin and Trish the Dish, so is spot on with the stuff it stocks. You can get your pusher/gripper wheels here, as well as lots of fab skates, pads and they also have FAQ which is full of excellent advice. Check this site out even if you don’t need to buy anything! Only downside is that it’s based in the USA so is a standard $50 for shipping. If you order costs less than that to ship, they’ll reimburse you the difference (told you they were nice!) One thing to watch out for is that anything over $60 will get customs charges on the top.

http://www.amazingskates.co.uk
Owned by one of the Leeds Refs, and a great place to get pads without having to pay custom charges

Some others – but a google search will give you more options….
http://www.ebay.co.uk
http://www.rollerderbydepot.com
http://www.skates.co.uk/Roller-Skates/
http://www.holdall.co.uk