Roller Derby Teams in So Cal

Roller Derby isn't just a fun, fictional sport that last year's movie, Whip It, is centered around. It's a real-live sport where women get in the nitty gritty of athletic competition and can let out some of their estrogen by racing each other on the track.

The OC Roller Girls began in 2006, specializing in competitive roller derby and offering fitness skating classes, skating school, roller derby training and ref training. The league travels both nationally and internationally, with their own nicknames like "Psycho" and "On the Roxy." They've even appeared on the Ellen Show, KROQ, Inside Edition and Gene Simmons Family Jewels.

Although the Orange County team plays competitively, they also skate to help the community. They've laced their skates for causes like breast cancer and animal shelters by giving a portion of their proceeds to the different causes.

You can watch OC Roller Girls in action this year in San Diego, Huntington Beach, Bakersfield, and Ventura by visiting their website for tickets at www.ocrollergirls.com.

LA Derby Dolls is another team that's based in Los Angeles and have been skating since 2003. They're the original team that Whip It is based upon after one of the former skaters wrote the screenplay. With more than 150 female skaters, they train four days a week, without pay, on a track that was handmade by the skaters with their family and friends.

The team recently hosted a roller derby camp for young girls, ages 9-17, for a week, earning themselves the "Treasure of Los Angeles" award from the Central City Association. They also assist the LA Junior Derby Dolls, ages 8-17, a team that doesn't hit or get dirty with each other because of their age group.

For their game schedule, visit www.derbydolls.com.

The Angel City Derby Girls share LA with the LA Derby Dolls and play on a flat track, but with a little more attitude than the other teams. They sell tickets to their practices at The Toyota Center and take pride in following the WFTDA rules as an official member, promising to only play other teams that abide by the same guidelines.

They've appeared on The Style Network and in an Anti-Flag music video. They participate in various fundraisers and practice three times a week.

Visit www.angelcityderbygirls.com for their game schedule.

All teams are currently recruiting women above the age of 21 that are up for some roller skating that gets too racey for the boys.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com