Original post from 2007! Edited 2018:So you're thinking about joining the rec league. Awesome! Here's a quick breakdown of what you will need to get started in derby.
SKATES
You want quad skates. Two wheels in front, two wheels behind (not blades!). You can pick up a half decent pair of starter skates from Argos or skate shops or ebay for less than £50 which will do you for your first taste of skating. You probably shouldn't spend any more than that unless you want to dive straight in with a pair of (sexy leather, or manmade for vegans) derby skates. There are lots of brands to consider, the most popular being Riedell, Bont, and Chaya. They'll set you back £100-£200, but oh they're worth it. You can buy skates and complete starter packages from our lovely friends at
Double Threat Skates. You can also sometimes pick up a vintage/used pair for cheap on eBay or on a Facebook group called Roller Derby Recyclables. Seek advice from Double Threat if you're unsure - you don't want to spend extra cash on crappy brands that look the part but aren't really worth it. Don't buy the hard plastic skates that come halfway up your shins (Bauers etc), they can cause nasty injuries. You will probably want to upgrade your skate wheels quite soon if you buy starter skates as the wheels they come with are usually small outdoor (soft) wheels and not very suitable for derby, but we can cross that bridge when we come to it. Worry about getting your skate legs outside in the park first.
HELMET
Any skate or skateboard helmet is fine. Bike helmets are not (but you can use your skate helmet as a bike helmet!) Probably £25-£50.
WRISTGUARDS/ELBOW PADS/KNEEPADS
You need 'aggressive' or 'vert' skate pads. As thick and padded as you can get. We fall, we fall a lot, and we fall hard. Your knees will thank you. Anarchy or TSG brand pads are probably the best starter pads widely available in the UK, you want the type with the full neoprene sleeve that goes right round your arm/leg. The Anarchy triple-pack is NOT the right type. Look on Ebay or skate shops. It's a good idea to try them on so you can get a snug fit (loose pads slip and will do you no good). If you can afford better kneepads right off (TSGs, Smith Scabs, S1 pads, ProDesigned) then go for it as the cheaper pads will wear out quickly and a couple of our skaters have suffered knee problems from repeated falling on worn out pads. You can also get gaskets, which are padded sleeves that go under your kneepads. These can help boost the Anarchy pads to a better standard, and some also have metal inserts to prevent your knees twisting sideways. Again, speak to our expert pals at Double Threat Skates for advice and starter packs.
MOUTHGUARD
A basic boil-and-bite will cost about £5 from sports shops and martial arts shops. A decent SISU allows you to talk, drink, and breathe (!) with your mouthguard in but is more like £25.
If you want specific advice/recommendations/have found a bargain on ebay and want to check it's kosher, post in this forum and we'll do what we can to help you. See you at practice!