Updated May 3rd 2008
We train three times a week at the following locations:
Saturdays
Mulberry Leisure Centre,
Commercial Road
London E1
3:45 - 6:00pm
Nearest stations: Shadwell (DLR) or Whitechapel/Aldgate East (District, Hammersmith & City)
Tuesdays and Thursdays (until 22nd May)
BSix, Sixth Form College,
Brooke House,
Kenninghall Road,
London, E5 8BP
6:45 - 9:00pm
Nearest station: Clapton (Trains from Liverpool St)
If there are any changes to the regular training venues we will post them here.
Please be on time or early to allow us to take attendance, and collect dues in time to begin skating promptly.
If you are not on monthly dues the cost to skate is Ā£5
New recruits or simply curious folks wanting to know more about LRG are welcome to join us for any practise. If it’s your first time and you want to skate, please bring skates, protective gear and a mouth guard if you have it. If you don’t have protective gear yet, you may not be able be to participate in all the drills and exercises. Don’t worry if you’re rusty or have never skated before; we are at all different levels and offer skate lessons for beginners.
Equipment: You’ll need quad skates, kneepads, elbow pads, wristguards, a skate helmet and a mouthguard. You want good quality thick ‘aggressive’ pads - you’ll be relying on them a lot! We can’t emphasize enough the value of good pads. Your knees will thank you… Tailbone protector pads are available but optional. There are posts on the forum about the kind of thing you need, or you can download our What You Need document.
Also have a look at our stretching guide.
FAQ:
Q: I want to come see what roller derby is all about but I don’t have skates ?
LRG: Come anyway. Just throw us an email info(at)londonrollergirls.com and let us know when you are coming down. We recommend you just chat to us and watch for the first time to get a better idea of what we’re about anyway.
Q: What if I have never skated before?
LRG: Don’t worry every practice we have new skaters and skaters who are just learning. We always split the training so that more beginner skaters can be taught the basics, even if that means just standing up.
Q: Can I come on rollerblades ?
LRG: You can and we do allow training on rollerblades, but roller derby is a quad skate sport so if you want to get involved fully you will have to make the switch. (But once you do you never go back, QUADS RULE!)
Q: I see it costs Ā£5 for a practice, why ?
LRG: This charge is to cover the cost of hiring out the venue. But if you are coming down just to see what we are about or this is your first practice.
The first practice is free, also visitors/spectators/ coming down to support you don’t have to pay. Just let us know that they are coming.
Q: I am not sure what equipment to buy ?
LRG: Good quality protective pads are the most important thing. You do get what you pay for with pads and it’s worth paying a little extra for the protection - you WILL fall a lot! You need kneepads, elbow pads, wristguards, a helmet and mouthguard. Also come onto the forum and you can ask one of the girls for advice before you purchase anything. Or just come along to a practice and chat to us - we’re always happy to help a new girl get started.
Q: The sport looks pretty rough, will I get hurt?
LRG: Well, it is a full contact sport, on wheels, and injuries do happen, but we do wear padding (knee, elbow and wrist), helmet and mouth guard as protection. We constantly practice falling techniques and strength training so that we don’t hurt ourselves or each other. We have spare pads and helmets if you don’t have any. Also in case you are wondering, we have at least one trained First Aider at practice always and carry the correct First Aid supplies
Q: Can I bring my friend or boyfriend/girlfriend down to watch ?
LRG: Of course, just let us know when and who is coming down. This is just so we know what to expect. Oh and if you didn’t know we are looking for more “non skaters” to get involved with refereeing, score keeping, cheer leading, announcing, water boys etc. The are a whole load of other things that need people who don’t have to be doing the sport or skating.
If you have any more questions about anything contact us or better, come onto the forum and ask us there.
