Fresh Brew Boot Camps

The Brewcity Bruisers hold boot camps throughout the year that will focus on the basics of what you will learn during training. This will give you a good idea of what to expect when you become a rollergirl. Check back for upcoming Boot Camps.

Since the BCB has our own practice space, we do not have rental skates for your use. You may want to start browsing eBay, Craigslist, or join our message board for skates.

Safety gear is required at all practices.  This includes elbow & knee pads, wrist guards, helmet and mouth guard. Note:  We do have a lot of used wrist, elbow & knee pads that you can use for now, until you can invest in your own.

In the meantime, you can get your protective gear and start skating now! Check out our suggested safety equipment and local skating rinks lists below. If you have questions, join our forum and get advice from your local rollergirls!

Basic Safety Equipment Information

Pads and equipment can be purchased at the following BCB recommended locations:

• Bigfoot Bike and Skate LLC - 3470 N. Oakland Ave., Milwaukee
  All derby girls get 15% discount on complete skates, a 10% discount on gear and components!
  
  
• Wicked Skatewear - www.wickedskatewear.com
  Brewcity Bruisers get a discount on all orders!
  
  
• Phase 2 Skateboard Shop - 2224 N. Farwell Ave Mil. & 17000 W. Bluemound Rd.
  Brookfield.
  
  
• Sin City Skates - www.sincityskates.com
  
  
• Roller Derby Depot - www.Rollerderbydepot.com

Knee Pads
Consider safety pads an investment in your future, as these are your only arms and legs you have – take care of them!  A good set of pads will cost you over $100.00, don’t resort to cheap ones because they are smaller or cuter.

Helmets
Anything safety rated and *new*. Bell, Protec, are good, as well as some others. All helmets get brittle and should be replaced after 5 years, and requirements are more stringent than a few years ago.  Helmets can be purchased at Dunham’s, Target, Wal-Mart, Phase 2 or anywhere that has a sporting goods section.  Be sure you pick out a skating helmet, and not a biking helmet. Helmets are around $15-20.00.

Elbow Pads
Anything with good coverage, hard plastic cups. Avoid teeny ones that come in a pack and are really thin. Protechs are good.  Some skaters like an open back for breath ability, but that's a preference. Use of cut tube socks as gaskets will help them last (as you can wash the socks instead of the pads, preventing premature pad wear).

Mouth Guards
Cheap boil ones are fine to start. Some skaters prefer to get custom ones made, check with local dentists for deals. Typical cost of a decent mouth guard is $4-12.00.  Make sure the plastic isn't super soft, as they will wear out in no time. Mouth guards can be purchased at Target, Walmart, or any sporting goods stores. Purchase two, and mold them both right away—this will be handy in the event you lose one.

Wrist Guards
Brands: Rollerblade, Protec and Triple 8 have been good. Make sure they have a bend in the plastic wrist piece, and reasonable Velcro.

Bumsavers
Some skaters prefer to skate with bumsavers (aka Ass Pads).  Triple Eight makes a good ass pad/hip pad that are short-like styles. Research them on the internet.

Where to Skate?

Local Rinks
Contact your local rinks for open skates. Do not let the sessions geared for kids scare you, it's excellent training to avoid falling kids and speedy teens. Some local rinks in the area include:

Outdoor Skating
Outdoor skating provides excellent resistance training and good for balance and control as you roll over cracks and pebbles.  It is a great way to enjoy the weather while it lasts, and bond with other roller girls in the sun.  Join our forum to help coordinate group outdoor skates at the lakefront or in the burbs!