Why I Skate ~ Becka tha Wrecka
Growing up in England I had never even heard of Roller Derby until I moved here in 2004. As a child, I had roller skated a bit in my street on the sweet skates I got from L.A. when staying with my grandparents but apart from that I was a roller virgin.
One of my best friends lives in Raleigh and he told me about the roller derby team that skated there. On a visit, we went to check it out. On that day I saw Roxy Rocket, Teflon Donna and Princess America. Anyone familiar with derby knows that they are three rockin’ skaters.
So, when I came back here and told my friends what I had seen they told me that derby was starting in this area. I checked out one of their first meetings but it was not until January ’05 that ,thanks to Bam Bam, Pachuca, Bite Me and Trailer Crash, I actually got out to a practice.
Becka tha Wrecka #1984
On that very first day I managed to give Bam Bam a concussion. Yes, concussion. It was almost all over for me at that point because I am not a confrontational or aggressive person. I enjoy team sports and being fit but what I love the most about derby is the chance to play a sport with my friends against other people. Needless to say, Bam was as gracious and forgiving like so many derby girls, and I kept at it.
When we finally got to divide up into teams I faced another difficult time. All of the ladies with whom I had started derby were placed on the Femmes Fatales. I was the sole Dirty Diesel Darlin’ of our crew. Don’t get me wrong, the Darlin’s were and are lovely ladies and I love them long time, but I was nervous about being expected to hit the women with whom I spent most of my time on and off the track. Surprise surprise, I got over that too and here I am a baby, an interleague team and a few years later.
I love derby for all that it offers: fitness; excitement; sportswomanship; the Corinthian spirit at its best; entertainment; friendship; diversity and beer. ..but seriously. I know this sport has changed my life in a way that no other activity has or can. I have been and continue to be lucky enough to encounter the world of derby at a great time in its evolution and for that I will always be grateful (if somewhat more achey and busted).
Why I Skate | admin | 
March 22, 2010 6:00 am
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krissy, April 10, 2010 @ 7:22 pm
I am so inspired by your story. I have been feeling so much lately like I need to get off my ass, get fit and also conquer some of my biggest fears. I have always let people take advantage of me because I was afraid of them. Roller Derby for me seems like a positive away to learn just how strong we can be- inside and out. I have always been afraid to rollerskate for fear of falling down.. and at 5′11 I have never been a small girl. My thick tattooed legs have never been welcomed anywhere before and I feel like learning to rollerskate, or speedskate i guess you gals call it would definitely help me stay fit. I took the first step by quitting smoking 40 days ago. Now, if i can just find some skates I can afford for these size 11 feet, I would love to practice and learn. I have always been put down my whole life for my size and height. I never felt like I could be a woman because men were too short to cuddle me or carry me around. I want to find something that makes me feel beautiful and wonderful in the body that I was given and to be loved for what I can do with it. So my plan is- Moving from Philadelphia to Virginia beach. I have a place to stay for a few months and I will be there on the 23rd of this month!! I need to save for an apartment so I am looking for a job now, but on my down time I’d love to volunteer and see how the girls do what they do. Money is tight but if you know any used shops to get skates I’d love to keep them on as often as I can to get myself moving. I need to learn to fall down and to be hit and to realize it is NOT the end of the world. I can bounce back, we are much more reslient then we know and that I don’t have to be scared anymore, of myself, my size, men, women, people.. ugh. You are truly inspiring. Let me know if you are looking for volunteers! khackenburg@gmail.com
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0445pms, July 4, 2010 @ 6:41 am
I am moving to Hampton, VA at the end of July. I am very interested in joining a roller derby team or at the very least training in order to eventually join. I do skate well, but I do not have any other skill….but drive and desire. Please help or direct me in the right direction. Who can I contact for further information? Thanks in advance.