Sign up for roller derby’s spring 2023 beginners’ practices

Would you like to try a new hobby in a safe and supporting environment? Dirty River Roller Derby’s beginner practices are here and you can sign up now!

What: Beginners practices start on Thursday 2nd of March from 6.30pm to 8pm
Schedule: Thursdays from 6.30pm to 8pm and Sundays from 2pm to 4pm
Where: Ilpoisten palloiluhalli, Lauklähteenkatu 15, Turku
What do you need: Your own gear (we have also a limited amount of gear to lend out)
Cost: 70 € which includes a membership fee for 2023.

Sign up for beginners’ practices here

You don’t need any previous experience in roller skating or roller derby. We’ll start from the very basics and help you develop your skills at your own pace.

The age limit for our beginners’ phase is 16 years. All participants must agree to and behave according to our values.

More info: beginners@dirtyriverrollerderby.com.

You’re warmly welcome to DRRD and our beginners’ practices!

Player introduction: Seitan

Seitan, #666 (She/They)

“I have been playing mainly as a jammer. My strengths lie in my endurance and fast feet. I’ve been playing roller derby for eight or nine years (minus corona-years). I got into derby because l had heard it was fun (and it was!). I love that it’s a sport where you sweat and meet many wonderful people.”

Player introduction: Annette

Annette, #7 (she, her)

I have played Roller Derby since 2012. During the years I’ve had two children, so I haven’t skated the entire time.
I got into derby after watching the movie Whip it. I fell in love with the sport immediately. I like how physical, fast-paced and social Roller Derby is. The practices and games are always great fun.
The best thing about this sport are the people ❤️.
I like to play both as a jammer and a blocker. I can’t decide which I like better.

Fun fact: I entertain myself with all kinds of trivia. For example I can remember all Finnish Presidents and their respective terms of office.

Open skate – a try out for roller derby and roller skating 13.2. and 16.2.2023

What: Roller derby open skate!
When: Monday 13th of February from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm and Thursday 16th of February from 6.30 pm to 8 pm
Where: Ilpoisten palloiluhalli, Lauklähteenkatu 15, Turku
Price: It’s free!
Sign-up form: https://forms.gle/mhjunkP2tsTL2sh37

Dirty River Roller Derby is looking for new skaters, referees and non-skating officials. This event is free of charge and open for everyone. You must be at least 16 to attend. You’ll get to try the skates and other gear, and you don’t need to know how to skate or have any background in sports to attend. Everyone is welcome! Wear comfy sports clothes and bring a water bottle with you.

Our next beginners’ practices starts later in the beginning of March! Questions? You can reach our beginners’ department at beginners@dirtyriverrollerderby.com – we speak English!

Player introduction: Ränni

Ränni, #233 (She/Her)

“I started playing derby in the fall 2021 when I finally got some more freetime after graduation. I had found derby earlier on social media and it came to my mind when I started to look for a new hobby in the summer. Derby combines in a very interesting way sports, having fun, community and it gives you the nice spice of adrenaline and excitement. At the moment I am interested in playing as a jammer but let’s see what future games bring!

Fun fact: I’ve been told that as animals I remind people of an otter or ermine!”

Player introduction: Jännä

Jännä, #27 (she/her)

“I’m playing as blocker, outside butt is my preference! My strength lies definitely in my good mood, I try to cheer others at practice and be there for them mentally and physically on the track!
Best thing about derby is that everyone is welcome, no matter of your size, sport backround, age, gender or what ever, there is always a place for you.

Fun fact: I got recruited from a pub.”

Player introduction: catnip everbean

catnip everbean, #1312 (she/her)

“I noticed DRRD’s open skate event during a Turku Pride week, went there and it was so much fun that I signed up for a beginners’ course! 😻
I love the community and I feel like I can be myself in it. Roller derby has taught me a lot about myself, my boundaries and being part of a caring community <3
As a player, I try to be encouraging and supportive and help create a safe environment for everyone. On the track I’m quite calm and stable and can play any position.
Playing roller derby has already given me so many great memories. I really loved my beginners’ course and there’s a special place in my heart for the people that were there.”

Player introduction: Pacifighter

Pacifighter, #24 (she/her)
 
“During practices, I have played both as jammer and blocker, but I prefer playing as a jammer. I’m good at skating, I skate quite fast. I’ve now been playing roller derby for about 9 months. I had seen it in some movies/series and last spring, I went to the open skate event. I immediately fell in love. I always leave the practices full of energy, even on days when I feel tired and considered staying home. It’s so much fun and full of action! “

Player introduction: Bitter Pan

Bitter Pan, #18 (she/her/they)

“I’ve been playing as a jammer since 2019, but I actually started derby in August 2010 after seeing Whip it! One of my best derby memories is when got to play in Iceland. It was a very cool place to play roller derby in! 💙

Fun fact: I’m a micro-mechanic student in The Finnish School of Watchmaking.”

Player introduction: Nemesis

Nemesis, # 92 (she/her)

“I started roller derby in spring 2022. I first learned about roller derby in 2011, but it took me over ten years and moving to a different city to actually get into playing it. I like it because anyone can play roller derby and be good at it regardless of your bodytype or gender. I really enjoyed our first scrimmage with the league. I was so nervous to play derby for real for the first time, but it was really fun! “