Learn to skate FAQs

Always kind of wanted to learn to rollerskate? Sydney Roller Derby League has got you! We run twice yearly skate development programs - whether you want to learn from scratch, sharpen your skills, become a derby player or referee, or just feel confident skating, our two level skate lesson program will have what you need!

Skate program FAQs

I want to skate! Where do I start?

Great! Welcome! We run LEVEL 1 - LEARN TO SKATE, and LEVEL 2 - DERBY FUNDAMENTALS programs twice a year - sign ups will open in late summer (at the start of derby competitive season from February/March and in late winter (mid-season intake, around July/August).

What's the difference between LEVEL 1 and LEVEL 2?

1. Level 1 is introduction to skating, teaching basic skate safety and skills, working towards the "minimum skills" required to start learning roller derby itself, and is a great all round program for anyone wanting to get confident at any form of rollerskating. This is a 10 week program, training on Sundays.
   

2. Level 2 is the introduction to derby skills - we begin teaching contact drills, gameplay, and the skills become more roller derby focused. This is a 12 week program, taking place on Tuesday and Sundays.

Still not sure which one you need? Drop us an email or get in touch via social media!

Do I need my own skates?

Don't have all your gear yet? Don't stress! We know getting into skating and a full kit is a big financial commitment, so thanks to City of Canterbury Bankstown, we now have a small "gear library" you can borrow skates and safety gear from to start off with - but please be aware, it's a shared resource, and we can't guarantee there'll be enough for everyone, so it's always better to have your own if you can!

What kind of skates do I need?

• Quad roller skates (not in-line skates)

• Helmet (appropriate for skating, sorry bicycle helmets don’t count)

• Wrist Guards

• Elbow Pads

• Knee Pads (Ideally vert style - you want some padding in there)

• Mouthguard for Level 2 onwards (it's contact time!)

Where is it?

All training is currently being held at SRDL's home ground, the Dunc Gray velodrome in Bass Hill. There's off street parking for drivers, and the venue is reachable on the 907 bus from Bankstown.

How much is it?

Level 1 is a 10 week set program, with a course fee of $135 (and $90 payable to Skate Victoria Insurance).

Can I do drop in sessions?

Level 1 is a progressive program from week to week, with skills will be reviewed each week, so you will have a chance to cover any skills you missed, but you must be enrolled for the whole course. We cannot facilitate a pay-per-session & the course fee is non refundable once you have started the program.

Do you ever do one off events?

We have begun "Come and Try" days, with the setup of our skate library, which we'll try to run ahead of skate program intakes to give people a chance to try before you buy! Keep an eye on our social media for these events.

I'm under 18, or my child wants to skate. Can we attend?

We are not currently running any junior programs or able to insure junior members. Wollongong Illawarra Roller Derby and Newcastle Roller Derby League both currently run junior programs and we highly recommend them!

What if I just want to watch derby?

We skate at events all through the derby season - and sometimes host our own! Keep an eye on our social media for upcoming bout information.

Did we miss anything? Drop us a line on social media, or via skateprograms@sydneyrollerderby

Read all that and ready to roll? Check out the latest sign up information here:

SIGN ME UP TO SKATE!