Are You The Next Dockyard Derby Dame?

With the release of Drew Barrymore’s “Whip It,” more women than ever before are taking an interest in roller derby. Tacoma’s Dockyard Derby Dames, a south sound roller derby league about to enter into its 4th season, offers women a chance to strap on skates and try their hand at this hard-hitting sport by attending skills clinics or “roller derby boot camp” in the coming month.

The Dockyard Derby Dames are a not-for-profit league run by the skaters. The players range in age from 21 to 47 and include teachers, nurses, estheticians, attorneys, engineers, and tattoo artists.

Beginning in November, the DyDD will host 4-weeks of roller derby boot camp and weekly skills clinics. These boot camp and clinics are an excellent opportunity for women to try their hand at roller derby – one of America’s fastest growing sports – and see if they’re suited to life on the track. Participants at these events will be grouped by skill level to ensure that everyone gets the level of training that is right for them.

In addition to a great workout, boot camp participants will also receive a derby girl designed t-shirt, training from All-Star Coach Hollywood, a boot camp poster, and the opportunity to walk in Tacoma’s First Night Parade with the Dockyard Derby Dames. A limited number of skates are available for checkout at boot camp, skills clinics, and tryouts.

For those who find they like life on the flat-track, tryouts for the 2010 roller derby season will be held on December 6th beginning at 8pm at the Auburn Skate Connection (1825 Howard Rd, Auburn).

Roller Derby Boot Camp
When: Nov 11, 18, 25 and Dec 2. Plus, free entry to skills clinics (see below)
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Where: Tacoma Armory 
(715 S. 11th Street, Tacoma)
Cost: $80 per participant

Contact to obtain a registration packet.


Note: Email DYDDBruisers@gmail.com for skate availability and be sure to indicate your shoe size. Full safety gear (helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards) is required for participation. A water bottle and comfortable work out clothes are also recommended.

Skills Clinic
No time to commit to 4 weeks of boot camp? Drop in at a skills clinic.
When: Nov 9, 16 23, 30 

Time: 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Where: Tacoma Armory 

(715 S. 11th Street, Tacoma)
Cost: $10 per Clinic or free with Boot Camp registration.

More information at www.dockyardderbydames.org.