When is the next Crash Course session?

Dates: Fall 2023, August 16 through mid December
Practice Days: Wednesdays 7 - 9 PM and Sundays 11 AM - 1 PM
(note: in mid-October we move to an indoor location and practice days will be Tuesdays 6:30 - 8:30 PM and Sundays TBD)
Length: 18-week program
Cost: $220 due on the first day (August 16) OR two installments of $120 (due on August 16 and October 15)

Where:

Location: Buhr Park - Ann Arbor, MI
Facility: Buhr Park Arena | Main Building

What is CRASH COURSE?

Crash Course (formally our Boot camp program) is an 18-week program consisting of practices specifically devoted to helping our newest members become safe and knowledgeable about the sport. The program focuses on all of the fundamental skills needed to play roller derby and how to play the sport in a safe manner.  Some of the skills include things from basic skating, backwards skating, transitions, and even how to fall to more derby specific skills like endurance, lateral movement, blocking, and hitting.  No matter what your level of ability is (from never being on skates to someone trying to do things better and faster) we have a place for you.

The ultimate purpose of Crash Course is to prepare you for the skills needed to be successful and safe playing roller derby. In the process, boot camp also builds bonds between newer skaters and more experienced ones while at the same time teaching nifty roller skating skills. Each new “wave” of skaters will have their own unique number and theme. Crash Course skaters can keep in touch over a private Slack group and are welcome to officiate at scrimmage practices after Crash Course. 

What do I need?

In order to participate on skates in any capacity, all skaters must have the following gear: 

• quad skates

• knee and elbow pads

• wrist guards

• mouth guard (we recommend SISU mouthguards)

• helmet

You may purchase new gear or use used gear. Our sponsor Anime to Skateboards is located in Southgate and is a great one-stop shop place for all derby needs.  It is highly recommended to go into a store and try on the gear to ensure a secure fit of all safety gear.  We also have a list of gently-used gear sold by current league members. 

If you are interested in joining Ann Arbor Roller Derby as a skater, email us at recruitment@a2rollerderby.com to get more information.

Former Derby 101 waves