Level 1 Learn To Skate is open!

Sydney Roller Derby League's skater development plans are officially open! Level 1 and Level 2 are both open for signups. Which one is most suitable for you?

LEARN TO SKATE - Level 1 mid year intake

The juicy details:

Where: Dunc Gray Velodrome, 27 Carysfield Road Bass Hill

When: Sundays 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Start Date: Sunday March 15th

This is a fully gender-inclusive program.

Sign up for LEVEL 1 - LEARN TO SKATE here!

Skaters who complete LEARN TO SKATE - LEVEL 1 are in a primo position to continue to Level 2, where we teach skills specific to the game of roller derby OR to begin shadowing our incredible referee crew to become a referee or Non Skating Official (NSO).

What will 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)

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!

If you'd like to ask some questions about suitable gear and how borrowing works, feel free to drop us a message on social media or email skateprograms@sydneyrollerderby.com 

Already feel pretty nifty on a pair of roller skates and just want to learn derby stuff? Check out Level 2 or email us for more info.

Want more information?

Check out our FAQs below, if you can't find an answer here drop us a line at skateprograms@sydneyrollerderby.com

Who is it for?

Level 1 is open to anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn beginner roller skating skills (Level 1 is strictly non-contact). We teach basic skate skills in a safe environment, to meet whatever your skate goals may be. We also can show you how to set up your own skates and gear correctly for you!

When, where and how much are the sessions?

Sessions are run at SRDL’s training venue, Dunc Gray Velodrome in Bass Hill on a Sunday. Level 1 is a 10 week course that you purchase from SRDL for $135. That's less than $14 a week! We also require you to have Skate Development insurance purchased through the Skate Vic portal for $95 - this lasts all year and can be upgraded to full insurance for skaters progressing to contact skating.

Do I need to know how to skate?

No, Level 1 is geared towards beginner to intermediate skaters, so no experience is required. We have taken the wobbliest newbies to full derby machines!

By attending Level 1 will I be able to join a team and play derby?

Level 1 is a learn-to-skate program that is run by SRDL, but is independent from becoming a member and skater for SRDL. Level 1 will allow you to acquire the skills to try out for our Level 2 Roller Derby Fundamentals program or become a referee, if you are interested in officiating as a referee or an NSO (Non-Skating Official).

What if I can't make every session?

Level 1 is a progressive program but skills will be reviewed each week, so you will have a chance to cover any skills you missed. Chat to your coach if there is anything you’re concerned about. We also strongly encourage skaters to practice outside of scheduled sessions - and we will give you homework to help your strength and balance!

Is full payment required if I can not make all the sessions?

Yes, you will need to pay for the 10 week program. We cannot facilitate a pay-per-session & the course fee is non refundable once you have started the program

Does SRDL provide gear or will I need to purchase and/or borrow my own?

SRDL has a skate and safety gear library you can borrow from during sessions, but we strongly recommend you have your own gear - both to practice outside training, and to get stuff that fits you properly, and also so you don't risk missing out if our library is booked out!

What gear did I need again?

Level 1 Skaters need: Skates! Derby is played on quad roller skates - not blades. Knee pads - ideally skateboard vert style, the more padding the better!

Elbow pads

Wrist guards

Helmet - a round skate/board style, rather than a bike helmet with hard edges.