Durban Derby on a roll to find newbies
NGN catches up with the girls of Durban Derby to find out about their 'fresh meat' intake.
LISA du Preez smiles nervously as she puts on a pair of rollerskates with neon green wheels. She fits them on with anxious excitement and then prepares, stands up, trying to keep her balance, and then tentatively tests her heel break. Her nervousness is shared by a number of ‘fresh meat’ newbies who are being introduced to the world of roller derby at the flat track at the APN Portuguese Club.
All the talk about ‘jam’ (not the kind you eat) and the doohickeys on your skates are forgotten momentarily as she is helped around the track by Durban Derby member, Deanne Burkimsher (Vaalie op Welie), who guides her assuredly around the concrete floor.
Each trip around the makeshift track lessens the anxiety and her smile, which rivals the Cheshire Cat’s, begins to grow. It’s excitement mixed with a sense of belonging.
Soon more of the ‘newbies’ take heart from du Preez’s steadiness and take to the track under the watchful eyes of their mentors. It’s all part of the Open Skate Dates every Wednesday through the month of July for those who want to learn how to skate.
Adrianne Angelosante (Demolition Daisy) explained to the Northglen News that the success of the Durban league, which started with less than 10 girls, has now grown into a league of 40 active members, in essence unearthing a pot brimming with skating talent. There are three women’s teams currently, Eve’s KanEvils, The MissFits and The ExtinguisHers.
“We’ve now even started a men’s team and have become the second province to do, after C-Max Roller Derby League in Johannesburg. The idea behind the ‘fresh meat’ (new skaters who have not completed the minimum skills) programme is to introduce the sport to more people and spread the word.
“We welcome skaters of all abilities, even if you’re not confident skating, you can still be a part of the team. We teach skating from scratch, plus all the beginner roller derby skills you need in our programme. All you need is commitment and we provide our own gear. There’s no pressure. Derby is a high-turnover sport, where many people are really driven and self-focused. We want more people to join in and join the ‘roller revolution’,” she said.
How to get involved:
Follow Durban Derby on Facebook and if you are interested in learning how to skate. The open nights are every Wednesday at 6.15pm at the APN Portuguese Club (5 Wright Place, Carrington Heights).
