A workout on wheels

A GOOD roller derby competitor is strong, determined, fierce and fearless.

Constantly switching from defence to offence, they’re amongst two teams, rolling around a track in skates and making full contact.

Teams gain points by passing their opponents, but only one team member can be the point scorer.

Each team helps this player through their competitors, all while trying to stop the opposition’s point scorer from getting through.

In Delacombe, people of all ages, ethnicities, body shapes, gender identities and sexualities can play this dynamic sport in a unique, safe space.

The Ballarat Roller Derby League, based at Doug Dean Stadium, welcomes anyone of any experience to have a skate with them.

From beginners to elite, children to adults, the league is coordinated by head coach, Scream, also known as Emily Hearnshaw.

Although roller derby is a very athletic contact sport, with plenty of body slamming, she said no one needs to be sporty to give it a go.

“It’s terrifying to start with… but it’s totally worth it. I didn’t do any sport, but when I came to derby and started skating a bit, I fell in love with the community.”

Those playing at a high level are all very close, feeling the same stresses, adrenaline rushes, challenges and pay offs, all while conquering fears.

“It’s a bonding experience. Roller derby is a really hard thing to do. We all train twice a week, but most of us do cross training, weights or running outside of skate training,” Hearnshaw said.

“I’ve never found a more inspiring group of people, because they’re all so dedicated. It takes a lot to start from the beginning and work your way up to the elite A team.”

Thinking about the derby stars of tomorrow and encouraging further female participation in sport, the league recently launched the Skate High program for high schoolers, and Mini Rollers for primary kids.

Providing all the equipment needed, they also host Roller Skate Fit Club for over 18s. It’s a fun, accessible workout on wheels which also introduces beginners to the basics of skating.

“Hopefully it might grow skaters for the future,” Hearnshaw said.

Visit rsk8fitclub.com.au or facebook.com/BallaratRollerDerbyLeague.