Skate Name & Number:CARRNAGE #10
Years Skating:I've always owned skates but began taking skating seriously around four years ago.
Years Involved in Roller Derby
: 1 1/2
When did you start participating in Roller Derby?I work at Skate Hut and noticed a growing number of derby skaters visiting the shop. I casually mentioned to the manager that "it would be quite interesting to give it a try." The next time I visited the store, I was handed a piece of paper and told, "I've informed them you'll be there on Sunday." I attended my first practice session and haven't looked back since.
Do you recall the first game you watched?Very vividly. It was just before I had completed my minimum skills. CTB traveled to play Lincolnshire Rolling Thunder, and it was the worst feeling not being able to join my team on the track when I was so close to passing and making the squad.
Which league or leagues are you currently part of?Crash Test Brummies
How did you decide on your derby name?My derby name has an awkward backstory (lol). I was initially going to be called Genghis Carrn because my team said I have the strength of ten men, then it changed to Genghis Carrnage, and eventually, I settled on Carrnage. It matches my skating style on the track and connects with my real name.
How would you describe your skating style?I would say my style is a mix of all the sports I've practiced over the years. I even push like a skateboarder on my quads, which some people find odd!
What is your preferred position?JAMMER! I'm not a good blocker...
Can you tell us about your gear? What's your current setup?
Skates: Bont hybrid boots, CRAZY Venus plates , with Heartless 88/92 pusher configuration for my wheels and the CRAZY big bloc toe stops
Protection: 187 slim elbow pads, TSG Force D30 knee pads, Triple8 roller derby wrist guards and my yellow Bauer 5100 helmet
What's on your 'most wanted' gear list right now?I'm really interested in the CRAZY skates DBX4 DNA boot or the new Carbon Models that will be released soon. I also like the look of the Morph wheels, so I'll try them out soon.
How do you get ready for a match?I have a few songs and a motivational speech I listen to while applying my face paints—I always need to have my face paints on to play!
What off-skates training do you do?I frequently cycle, but apart from that, most of my physical activity currently involves running after my 9-month-old.
Has Roller Derby made a difference in your life? If so, how?Absolutely, I've formed incredible friendships with people who are always there to support me. It has also boosted my self-confidence and given me a sense of pride that I never really had before.
What is your most cherished roller derby moment?My 180 apex jump against SDRD at MEC in the final 8 seconds of the last jam. It might not have won the game, but it certainly felt like a personal victory.
Who are your derby idols?I have a bit of a derby crush on Seahorses Forever.
Are there any upcoming matches you’re particularly thrilled about and why?I'm eagerly anticipating B.E.A.R.D.I this year and am excited to see how we perform in the inaugural British championships.
Besides playing, are there any other ways you participate in Roller Derby?I try to attend bouts as a spectator, but it's challenging not to be skating, so I sometimes assist in coaching other local leagues.
What are your views on Roller Derby as a sport, "past, present, future"?I miss the old WWE-style derby days and wish I had been around to witness it. I love derby as it is now, and it can only become more thrilling as the sport evolves.
Is Roller Derby the only type of skating you engage in? If not, what else do you do on skates?I used to be an inline vert skater but haven't pursued that since starting derby (only one painful sport at a time, please). I also spend time at the skate park on my quads and have been learning some new tricks recently.
Do you have any future aspirations?I would love to be part of Team England and am eager to compete internationally.
Is there anything else you would like to mention?Just a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped me reach my current level in derby in such a short period. Also, check out my videos on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/user/brummie/videos