After you have made contact (emailed, messaged, talked to a derby girl about joining) you may be required to bring your own mouth guard to your first practice. You can purchase one fast at Walmart and then order a better one when you have time.
Most teams will have gear that has been used by previous team mates or donated by sponsors, but they will most likely not give you a brand new mouth guard (used is not an option, ew, we all know that).
When you go for your first practice it's a good idea to wear work out gear. Depending on the weather and the location, I'd recommend leggings and a tank top or t-shirt and tall socks. My first practice I wore yoga pants and regretted it almost immediately as it was just too sweaty. If your first practice is outdoors and in November, be sure to bring a light jacket that you can still fit elbow pads over and gloves that have grips on the fingers.
The gear that you will borrow from the league (or if you have the money and have decided to be committed to the sport right away) will be knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, helmet and of course quad roller skates. Additional items to think about are toe guards for the front of the skates, skate key, duct tape and extra laces. You will also need a hefty bag to tote everything around in, and maybe some Lysol spray for your pads.
To best of my knowledge, each league will have a sponsorship will a skate supplier such as Wicked Skatewear, Bruised Boutique or Roller Girl Skates that will give you a discount when buying your gear.
There are two great brick and mortar stores that I know that supply roller derby gear. Central Jersey Skate Shop in Edison (which just closed this year sadly) and then in New York there is Five Stride Skate Shop. Both stores have knowledgeable sales people that will help you pick out your items if you tell them you are new to the sport. Five Stride is actually owned by derby skaters and have great knowledge about the sport and what items are best skaters of any experience. I recommend getting your skates in person, but you can always order your pads and etc. online.
Be careful when purchasing skates. A beginning skater should buy Riedell R3 as they are the most basic derby skate that will serve you well. The wheels that generally come with this skate are not the best. (When I purchased my first Riedell skates, the wheels were black with red writing and were ruined/worn out pretty fast). I recommend purchasing Poison wheels when you purchase your skates. Poisons are indoor/outdoor compatible wheels that will be great on most surfaces. If you are steady on your skates, get the narrow profile wheels as they will help you on your turns and stops. If you aren't steady or would like more balance, get the wide wheel.
Check what floor you will be practicing on. Different wheels are used for different surfaces. I've used Poisons successfully on sport court and smooth and rough concrete (although it is slippery on smooth concrete). If you are practicing on smooth concrete or wooden surface and not practicing outdoors, purchasing an indoor wheel such as Flat Outs or Booms.
My favorite knee pads are 187s, they feel like falling on pillows. I also prefer triple 8's for my elbow pads and wrist guards (you can purchase those at your local Sports Authority which is nice, but do not buy the knee pads of that brand as they will wear out too fast and your knees will regret it).
Special note: If you already have all your gear and bought new wheels to go outdoors and forgot to get bearings with them, have no fear, just head over to the mall to Zumiez! They carry Reds bearings!
Your league members will also have great insight into what they believe is the best option for your skill level.
Derby love,
Demolition D'bree
Your league members will also have great insight into what they believe is the best option for your skill level.
Derby love,
Demolition D'bree
