KAPA‘A — There is open registration for anyone who is interested in women’s flat track roller derby. That announcement was being made to the overflow crowd estimated at about 300 at the Kapa‘a inline skating rink who braved blustery trades
KAPA‘A — There is open registration for anyone who is interested in women’s flat track roller derby.
That announcement was being made to the overflow crowd estimated at about 300 at the Kapa‘a inline skating rink who braved blustery trades to see the first bout played on the island, Saturday night.
“This is way more people than we figured would come out,” said one of the security personnel watching the two gates which allowed spectators entry into the event for a $5 donation, proceeds going to help offset travel expenses for an upcoming bout on Maui.
That sentiment is reflected on the Garden Island Renegade Rollerz’s Facebook page as players, competitors and spectators commented on the excitement generated by a live DJ accompanying the disco music setup that enveloped the arena and the action.
“This is really good,” said Todd Fuerte, a Kapa‘a High School soccer coach, who was enjoying a tailgate party outside the rink. “The more people use and respect this facility, the better we can make it.”
Fuerte, whose son Ikaika was a roller hockey participant, said one of the goals of the Kaua‘i Inline Hockey Association is to raise enough money to be able to construct a roof over the facility.
“Can you imagine how many more people would come if we had a roof and they didn’t have to worry about rain?” Fuerte said. “Rain can cancel games because it gets dangerous for skaters on the wet surface.”
Saturday night marked the first time a bout was played on Kaua‘i after months of practice. A special combined team of O‘ahu and Maui players converged at the Kapa‘a rink as the Hawai‘i Pacific Roller Derby.
A roller derby match is composed of two teams with four players each — three blockers and a jammer. All players skate counter-clockwise with each team’s jammer starting behind the other players with the objective of having a jammer break through the pack of teams, scoring a point for each opponent passed, states the GIRR Web site. The jammer has 60 seconds to score.
Variations of the game consisting of two halves, each half made up of two 15-minute periods include the use of a fifth team member, or pivot, and two-minute jams.
Saturday’s bout was threatened by passing sprinkles, but the matches continued and at the half, both teams were tied, 19-19 as the junior skaters took to the rink in a special juniors race while the derby wahine strategized for the remaining 30 minutes.
Dan Ahuna, whose wife Kanoe, aka SUKI 2U, is a Renegade Roller, is the coach of the Kaua‘i all-women flat track roller derby league formed in October 2009.
Currently, the league has two teams for inter-league play — Buck’n Fitches and HI-Rollerz.
“It’s really good that we have this league,” Fuerte said. “We have co-ed soccer and a variety of co-ed sports but this one is just for the ladies. They need something that’s just for them.”
The GIRR is dedicated to providing an opportunity for women athletes to achieve their maximum potential, athletically, intellectually and socially through the sport of roller derby.
For more information, visit their Web site at www.girenegaderollerz.com.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
