If you're Fresh Meat and look at those Travel Teamers of your league and think they've always been like that... and that you'll never be that cool... look what I found. I look very cute. Here is my hint for Fresh Meat: dig your league archives and find some photos and video what your league star skaters used to look like. Scroll down to the bottom for some LRG gems. You won't believe what a couple of years of derby does to you! Gives you a kick to keep going!
I started roller derby in May 2010. I had the advantage that I could already skate - I am from Finland after all so winters were spent on ice skates and I had inlines too. Although I had the foundations, I was totally a piece of Fresh Meat. I remember trying to backwards skate. I did not move an inch... Plough stops were my enemy. My knees were pointing inwards. I bite my lip every time I need to go in. I think I skate low.
Fresh meat knees
Concentration!
Denim shorts were the thing in 2010! My first wrist guards served me for a long time, they were great - mum had bought the from a charity shop in Poland whilst on a road trip in Europe. My first skates were Sure-Grip Rock Flames with Twister wheels.They were too big and I even wore woolly socks and two insoles in them.
Look at those skinny legs
I did not like my superskinny ankles. I am so glad what roller derby has done to my legs. They desperately needed some muscle!
Derby stance?
More concentration
PS. What do you think London Roller Girls might have looked like? Check it out:
This is the 'anchor & pendulum' or 'tractor trailer' position. I'm holding my team mate from behind, helping my balance and getting that swinging motion in. It's cool, it works!
Team Finland practice on Friday 11 November:
"Lihaksia ja Luoteja" mixed bout in Tampere 12 November:
Photos by Marko Niemelä, Team Finland very Official Photographer!
It's so cool this got captured (thanks Juha Halmu Photography)! I remember this well and it was one of the best moments (and best jams). I blocked Team Sweden jammer out of bounds and unfortunate for her, she entered front of me sending her to the box. This was a fine jam for our Kata Strofi!
Another lovely shot from the Leeds vs Helsinki bout in September - this one is by R. Nicholson. Those wanting to hear about Team Finland vs Team Sweden bout on Saturday, bear with me as I gather my memories...
This is such a nice photo! Taken by Jason Ruffell at Leeds B vs Helsinki Roller Derby. I guest skated for Helsinki. It was a really great game (yes, we won!). Leeds girls were so lovely. And the merby match was incredible... loved it...
