School of hard-knocks
Durban has its first Roller Derby team, The Poison City Rollers, we talk to their coach, Michelle Murray AKA Krakken.
OUTRAGEOUS outfits (fishnets and tutus), otherworldly names (Demi Moer/ Riot Grrl) and a sport in which skaters simulate bumper cars may sound like a load of fun, but there is more athleticism in the women’s only sport of Roller Derby. Indeed it is the school of hard knocks.
Over the past 10 years, KZN sport has seen a number of firsts, including its first ultimate frisbee team and its first Gaelic football team. Now it has its first roller derby league, Durban Derby, featuring their first team, The Poison City Rollers.
The KZN branch is the brainchild of Joburgers now turned Durbanites, Michelle Murray and Cara Munroe. Michelle, a part-time surfer and whose roller derby name is Krakken, coaches the Rollers and says she’s impressed with the skills and never-give-up attitude of her players.
“When we moved down to the coast we thought KZN has to have a roller derby team. We started in April with two members (Cara and I) and now we have more than 15 women involved.
“It’s fantastic. The hope is to create more teams and widen the scope of the sport,” Michelle said.
Reduced to its basics, roller derby is split into two 30-minute halves, during which each team fields five women at a time in shifts (called jams) that last up to two minutes. They skate counterclockwise around an oval track, which both teams designate a scoring player (the ‘jammer’) who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team.
The alternative sport boasts a unique ground as far as professions go. “We have got teachers, writers, lecturers, graphic designers and fashion designers just to mention a few,” Michelle said.
“Some women are looking for a fun way to keep fit that isn’t going to the gym, while others are attracted by the social aspect. Despite the physical nature of the game you don’t have to be tough to take part.”
When asked whether the team had all seen the film ‘Whip It’ centred around the sport, the unanimous answer is ‘yes’.
“Most of the women here have seen it or heard about it. We’re looking for more people to join so we cant start a Durban derby league,” she said.
To join or for more information contact Michelle on 084 580 0489.
