Paradise Roller Girls is looking to expand its forces and recruit more girls to join its roller derby league for the upcoming season.
Paradise Roller Girls is looking to expand its forces and recruit more girls to join its roller derby league for the upcoming season.
Anyone interested can attend the informational session at 6 p.m. Sept. 9 at Wainaku Gym, 30 Aikane Loop.
This will be a “formal kind of presentation, where we explain what the sport is and isn’t, the expected time commitment, anticipated upfront costs, practice schedule and more,” said Michelle “Da Kraken” Montgomery, PRG president and active skater.
In the past, PRG conducted rookie camps where newcomers can learn to skate through repetitive drills and activities. This year, the league will host “Free Skate Friday” events at the gym for anyone interested in becoming a derby girl.
Open to the community nearly every Friday night, Free Skate Friday is a great place to practice the basics of skating, Montgomery said. Several league skaters are typically present and available to help anyone who desires to improve their skating or talk story.
Those considering joining also will be encouraged to attend open skate practices (closed to the general public) from 9-10 a.m. Sundays at Wainaku Gym.
Although PRG is a competitive skate league, skaters have the option to be fully recreational.
“Some girls participate just for the physical training,” said Amy “AC SlayedHer” Shipley, PRG coach and skater. “It serves as great exercise and a fun workout, helping women get into better shape. I can go up so many stairs at work now and I don’t get tired.”
The league also welcomes people who might not want to skate but want to be a part of the derby culture. Nonskating officials and penalty and jam timers also are needed. Information about these positions will be provided during the informational recruitment session Sept. 9. Other recruitment sessions will take place Oct. 4 and Nov. 7 at the gym.
To learn more about PRG, visit www.facebook.com/paradiserollergirls/?fref=ts.