Roller Derby Skater – Shell Yeah!
Roller Derby Skater – Shell Yeah
Derby Name:
Shell Yeah!
Derby Team:
Hot Wheel Roller Derby
Occupation:
Secondary Education
How long have you been skating?
2.5 years. I joined Hot Wheel at the start of August, after they were created in July 2010. On my first session I fell and hurt my coccyx badly and had to have three weeks off! It didn’t put me off however and I was back on skates as soon as I could sit down without wincing!
Why did you get involved in roller derby?
Originally as a fitness thing. I was in the gym with Hot Wheels Clar Mar Superstar and she said she was going to this new roller derby team that had started up and did I want to come? I almost wimped out on the morning that she picked me up, but I’m glad I didn’t. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. If anyone wants any incentive to join a roller derby team, what more do you need than fitness, teamwork, friendship, satisfaction and a huge sense of family within a team.
How often do you practice?
At Hot Wheel Roller Derby we practice three times a week for 7 hours in total. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
What Pads do you use?
On my knees, elbows and wrists, I use 187s. I used to use Anarchy knee pads which are fine for beginners but after a knee injury I upgraded to 187s.
What Helmet do you use?
I currently have a Paul Frank edition Bell helmet.
What skates do you use?
I skate on hockey skates; Reno Professionals with Boiani plates and hockey wheels.
What were your first pair of skates?
My first pair of skates were a pair of borrow disco skates that Nuclear Miss-Ile from Hot Wheel lent me to get me going! After a few months I gained a pair of Reno skates, a fantastic Christmas present!
Where did your nickname come from?
I say ‘hell yeah’ a lot and the original name I wanted, Bomb Shell, was taken already. Cue a poll amongst my friends and Shell Yeah! was chosen!
What is your favourite part about being a Roller girl?
The sense of belonging to a team but also the pride I feel when I play and do something awesome, even if it’s by accident.
Any top tips for up and coming Derby Superstars?
Train hard and listen to someone who’s trying to tell you something that’ll make you better. You get as much as you put in, so don’t train half assed and expect to be a fantastic skater. Obey your coach and maybe, even if it’s just once, try without toe stops.
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