Fishnets, Rink Burn, and Attitude: The Hudson Valley Horrors
by Molly Jones
Extremely vibrant is correct. Since its rebirth in Austin, Texas in
2001, roller derby has exploded across the country. With over 200 leagues
now active across the United States, and more starting up internationally,
roller derby has become a revolution—a grass–roots, female–led
revolution. The leagues are owned by the members, and the members are
overwhelmingly female. Yes, there are a few male teams, but they follow
the rules of the WFTDA, the Women’s Flat Track Derby Alliance.
The track has also changed from the past incarnation. Leagues in the
WFTDA now compete on a flat surface, instead of the old banked track
with a rail, which makes playing the game accessible to just about
anyone. Though most play in local rinks, any flat surface would suffice,
as long as the playing area is marked out according to the rules. Many
say that the flat track is more exciting, with the fans right on the
edge of the rink. Crash Corpse explains, “Some folks sit right
on the sidelines, at their own risk. Some people seem to want to be
right in there, and they are hoping that a girl will collide with them,
but it hasn’t happened.”
The Horrors range in age from 18 to mid–40’s and vary
in body type and size. After watching only half of their three–hour
practice, I can safely say that ALL are in incredibly great shape.
One could make an excusable assumption that only a very skilled skater/athlete
would be able to join in the fun. As it turns out, many had not skated
in over 20 years when they joined up, and more than a few came in with
little or no skating skills at all. The Horrors will put you through
your paces in no time, and a newbie, or “fresh meat” as
they like to call them, can take a skills test after three months to
see if she is ready to join in the game. But don’t doubt this—roller
derby is a full contact sport, and as such there are risks. CONTINUE...
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