...to want to become a roller derby girl / woman?

[Nemofish]

I wanna do something fun. Just for me.

Friend has suggested a local all-female roller derby group. I have had a look at the website and I am tempted...

www.wakeywheeledcats.co.uk

But AIBU?

Should I take up cross stitch or knitting instead? I am not taking the piss, a friend of mine is a very keen knitter and she is col as fuck

Yes, people I knew who were into it were emo's.

I think I will fit right in, to tell you the truth.

And may find myself a new girlfriend!

I really want to do this too, so YANBU Nemofish

I skate for the Birmingham Blitz Dames (Diamondback is my skater name) and it is awesome! And no, you do not have to be a lesbian (although you would find it very hard if you are an evil homophobe) or as hard as nails. We have all sorts of women, from lawyers and lecturers, to barmaids and SAHMs, all ages and it rocks! I am not scary, tattooed, emo or hard and I'm on the bouting team. I do like to wear me hotpants and fishnets though...

I am currently 10 weeks pregnant and suffering complete Derby withdrawal - do it Nemo! It will be the most fun you ever have. See you on the track

I think I will, diamondback!

Although I am not very hard. But if I wuss out I can be a cheerleader instead my childhood dream.

LS6 wave for cyteen - are you still around oop north? If you are anywhere near Leeds / Wakey we could do this...

Sadly no, I'm stuck in the Midlands

Cyteen, if you're in the Midlands, there's several leagues you could join if you're not already in one... Obviously I have a bias, but there are three Birmingham Leagues, and I believe fledgling leagues in Wolverhampton and Leicester.

I know, there's one in my town Going to look into it next year, I reckon!

I'm in the midlands too!! Thanks for the tips diamond

I second everything Diamondback wrote

Do it, do it, do it! It is so much fun and you meet some lovely (and in my experience) like-minded people. Before you know it you will be slimmer, fitter and have a whole new family

You do not have to be fit to start, or even be able to skate, that is the beauty of it. If any league/team is worth its salt they will happily train you up and encourage you to the best of your ability.

stripeyknickers' Dh is over generalizing in regards to the 'high proportion of lesbian/bisexuals' You will find that yes, as in any other sport, that there is lesbian and bisexual teammates and a whole lot more of straight folks too. Roller Derby does NOT discriminate, we hit on anybody We allow people to be themselves, and that is why girls of all shapes, sizes, colour and sexual orientation will be more open than in other sports.

Have a look on YouTube, there are lots of great derby videos/docs on there -

My favourites being;

Eight wheel Drive

Bruitful - a roller derby documentary

Auld Reekie Roller Girls

Diamondback Oh wow you are a Blitz dame? I love you grrls! You, along with LRG has provided one of the BEST videos in a long time

Oh and watch out for This is Roller Derby film coming out next year.