Intro to Derby Program

No problem! Our program is open to everyone, and we start from the ground up. We’ll teach you how to skate, stop, and fall safely from the very beginning. You’ll have the support of multiple trainers at each session who will meet you where you’re at, and help you every step of the way. We’re here to make sure you feel comfortable and confident on your skates! 

We introduce contact gradually, only after you’re comfortable with basic skating skills and falling safely. You may surprise yourself! If you find contact isn’t for you, there are still plenty of ways to be involved, like reffing or other team roles after completing the intro program.

The Intro to Derby Program runs once a week for 11 weeks. Sessions are on Saturdays from 9am to 11am, starting September 14 and ending November 30.

• Quad Skates: We highly recommend getting fitted for these at a professional skate shop who will know what to recommend for derby specifically, and how to size them to your needs. Speed-style skates will have little to no heel, and adjustable toe stops. You can start on any quad skates, but derby/speed skates specifically will give you the best experience – with derby/speed skates, you’ll find it easier to develop your agility and technique! You can find examples here, or shop for brands like Riedell, Bont, and Antik.
  
  
• Knee, Elbow, & Wrist Guards: Pads are required to have a hard shell, and fit snug to avoid slipping. Many skate shops sell complete packs with everything you need, like this. Please note that due to the floors at Westwood P.S., we ask that your knee pads are white, clear, or covered as to not leave marks on the floor.
  
  
• Multi-impact helmet: This must be multi-impact grade, and should fit properly (snug on your head, and you can bend over unbuckled without it falling off). Face shields are optional.
  
  
• Mouth guard: Must be made for high impact sports, and cover all your upper teeth. 
  
  

Please see the WFTDA Guide for Equipment PDF for more information, and if you have any questions about gear, send us an email at [email protected]!

You will need to use your own helmet and mouth guard, but we do have some loaner gear available. Please email [email protected] with your sizes to see what is available. It is also worth noting that if you purchase gear and decide not to stick with it, gently used derby gear is in demand and can be resold quite easily.

You can purchase insurance from WFTDICanada. See more details here.

So, you’ve completed the September Intro to Derby Program… heck yeah! Congrats on being awesome! Before you officially join our freshie team, “Our Ladies of Pain”, we need to ensure you’re ready for contact and skating safely. Our trainers will work with you to assess your skills, and if you meet the minimum skill requirements to skate, make contact, and receive hits safely, you’ll move on to the Our Ladies of Pain practices!

That is a-okay! We have plenty of skaters that work on these skills for multiple seasons before they’re ready – everyone learns at a different pace and our trainers will work with you to help you get there. We have a second program that runs from January-April before our season officially starts.

Absolutely! Derby is a team effort, and we are always looking for NSOs (Non-Skating Officials). Some of these roles include track maintenance, jam timing, penalty box wrangling, announcing, and more. If you are interested, please fill out the form below and we can give you more information.

Yes! We will have a second program running from January – April. Complete the form below and we’ll keep you updated.