KAPA‘A— Derby girls from around the world are packing up their skates and flying to Kaua‘i to get Leid on the Track, a three-day roller derby boot camp open to all levels of skaters. Between Jan. 5 and 7, a
KAPA‘A— Derby girls from around the world are packing up their skates and flying to Kaua‘i to get Leid on the Track, a three-day roller derby boot camp open to all levels of skaters.
Between Jan. 5 and 7, a team of five coaches and one referee will cover everything from basic rules and footwork, to the art of hitting. Classes include “Sweaty Walls,” “Going sTopless” and “Hits and Giggles.” There will be a bout 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6 at the New Cannery in Kapa‘a.
The camp was largely put together by Sarah “Jewanna Brawl” Erlanger of Kapa‘a.
By the way, all roller derby skaters play under a fake name. No two names are the same, thanks to a year-long process in which skaters have to submit their names to a national database and wait for approval.
“You think of something that personifies your alternate ego,” explained Erlanger. “I came up with Jewanna Brawl because I’m Jewish, and I’m kind of feisty.”
Erlanger teamed up with friend Sarah O’Donoghue (aka Wile E. Peyote) from Seattle, Wash. to host Leid on the Track, which kicks off Tuesday night at Trees Lounge in Kapa‘a.
“The training camp started when I brought Wile out last year to teach us some technique,” Erlanger said. “We realized the need of training for girls in Hawai‘i because we don’t have the opportunity.”
To date, more than 60 rollers have registered for the event, including skaters from Australia, Canada and the mainland.
“The coaches are really the draw,” Erlanger said of the crew she and O’Donoghue have assembled. “They are the best coaches in the nation, and one coach, Quadzilla, is probably one of the best skaters in the world.”
Coaches of the camp include Wile E. Peyote, Carmen Getsome and Mo Quadzilla from the Rat City Rollergirls, plus B-Train from OC Rollergirls and Shortbus from ATOM wheels.
Those not brave enough to endure Erlanger’s three-day roller derby boot camp can experience the sport at a bout scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, at the New Cannery in Kapa‘a. Admission to the event is free.
“It’s growing here on the islands a lot. People like it because it’s really grassroots and people appreciate the fact that these are real women with nine-to-five jobs,” Erlanger said. “It’s not about wearing cute skirts and hitting chicks. It really takes a lot of athleticism and a lot of commitment and teamwork.”
For Erlanger, she became obsessed with the sport after playing her first bout in October of 2009.
“I put on one pair of skates and played in one bout and that was it — I was hooked,” Erlanger said. “My life is now revolving around roller derby.”
Since Erlanger put on those first pair of skates, she has started her own online business, Kaua‘i Skate, joined Parade Roller Girls, a league based out of Hilo, and trains with a local coach. She also works full-time as a pharmacist.
“It engulfs your life. It’s like a drug,” Erlanger said. “It’s like surfing for people. They start to live there lifestyle around surfing. Same thing with derby. You just want to not go to work and fly to the mainland and watch the next tournament.”
Once a popular sport in the 1970s, roller derby is a fast-paced, full-contact sport that has seen a resurgence since 2001.
Each game (or bout) is one hour split into two 30-minute periods. Each team scores points by placing five skaters on the track — one jammer (scorer), three blockers (defense) and one pivot (calls out plays and leads the blockers). The jammer score points by lapping players from the opposite team.
While the sport is gaining popularity throughout Hawai‘i, Erlanger has a few words of wisdom for girls who want to join roller derby.
“I would just say watch a couple practices first and talk to people and see what it’s like. If you are going to get a pair of skates learn how to fall before you learn how to skate.”
Erlanger hasn’t escaped without some battle scars — she broke her wrist three months after she began playing and cracked a rib.
“Roller derby is really hard. It takes a lot dedication, but the best part about it is the amazing people I’ve met,” Erlanger said. “All the girls are just the most amazing women and the coaches coming out here are inspiring people.”
Registration is still open for Kaua‘i girls who would like to participate in the three day camp. Call 212-1207 or visit ledionthetrack.com or kauaiskate.com for more details.
The public is invited to party with the roller girls 6 p.m. Tuesday at Trees Lounge in Kapa‘a. The kickoff party will have live music, a DJ from Hilo plus vendors and a runway show.
• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or afrainier@thegardenisland.com.
