Required Equipment
- Quad skates (4 wheels – no inline skates)
- Protective gear:
- Wrist guards
- Elbow pads
- Knee pads
- Helmet
- Mouth guard (sport standard)
- Reusable water bottle
- One dark gray shirt and one white shirt
- SDB New Skater Camp Handbook must be in gear bag at all practices
Where to find skates and gear
Whether you are new to derby or a returning veteran we highly recommend locally owned Get Your Bearings Skate Shop (Seattle/Shoreline border) for skates, gear and expert advice. Owned and operated by an SDB parent, and staffed by a knowledgeable crew, you really can’t go wrong here!
You can also find new and used gear online.
A quick note about skates
We do suggest, if possible, avoiding the pink (sometimes purple) and white “Roller Derby” skates available at stores like Kohl’s, Walmart, Sports Authority, Sears, etc.; though these skates are inexpensive, they are very stiff, unwieldy, and make it difficult and frustrating for skaters to learn how to skate. Using the resources noted above and finding a good pair of skates, whether used or new, will go a long way in making sure your skater has a fun and rewarding experience at New Skater Camp.
Upon registration, a more detailed letter will be emailed to you, outlining the details about camp and what your skater will need for camp.
Local Skating Rinks
- Lynwood Bowl & Skate (Lynwood)
- Everett Skate Deck (Everett)
- Southgate Roller Rink (West Seattle)
Gear Details
Quad Skates (4 wheels – no inline skates)
Check with your local roller skate shop for recommendations on derby skates. Most skate shops and online vendors offer packages that include the boot plate, wheels, and bearings.
Helmets
Look for roller derby, multi-sport, hockey, or skateboarding helmets that have a sticker inside indicating that the helmet has been rated for safety standards. Some ratings to look for include ASTM and CPSC, among others (if you’re not sure, ask a salesperson). Two popular brands of roller derby helmets are S1 and Triple 8.
**Helmets should fit snugly and low on the forehead, and won’t move when you shake your head side to side or up and down. The helmet strap should be worn snugly under the chin, with the excess tucked under and not dangling from the head.**
Knee Pads
Make sure that the knee pad fits tight enough so that it will not slide off. Knee pads will compress over time and wear out. You should inspect them regularly for cracks, rips, and exposed rivets. Check with your local roller skate shop for recommendations.
Elbow Pads
Elbow pads should fit snuggly just like knee pads. You should treat your elbow pads just as you would knee pads. Inspection, care, and maintenance are essential for long-lasting protection.
Wrist Guards
Wrist guards are designed to protect your hands and wrist, they absorb impacts to the hand and give support to your wrists. Some guards have splints on the top or bottom and some have splints on both sides. Like all protective gear, your wrist guards need to be sized correctly for optimum support, keep in mind that you will replace the wrist guards often so inspect frequently.
Mouth Guards
Mouthguards protect against concussions, the inside of your mouth, and teeth. There are a couple of different styles to choose from, most skaters use the boil and mold mouth guards, you may have a custom one made by a dentist or buy a non-molding type typically used by people with braces, this style comes in two options… protection on the top teeth or top and bottom. Nightguards are not acceptable.
How to Change Your Wheels
by Bantam