Featured Skater of the Month- Jelly Mean

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FEATURED SKATER OF THE MONTHJELLY MEAN
Posted in Roller Derby on 24th March 2015
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Skate Name & Number: Jelly Mean #707
Years Skating: On and off for about 25 years
Years Involved in Roller Derby: 4
When Did you get involved in Roller Derby: I originally joined a local
skate fitness class as a way of getting back on skates, I didn't realise
at the time that it was on quads so was a bit reluctant to do it when I
turned up but they convinced me in the end. Soon after that, the coach
told me about Roller Derby- she had skated previously and helped set
up some of the more estabished leagues over here today. I didnt really
know what it was all about but she recommended CCR and I've been
there ever since.
Can you remember the first game you watched?Not well, I saw 2
bouts in quick succession and remember that one of them was against
Auld Reekie Rollergirls and the other against Linconshire Bombers
Roller Girls- I can never remember if they were A or B games or which
order they came in. I didn't really know what Roller Derby was so it was
all very confusing- I just knew I wanted to do it!
What League/s are you currently part of:Central City Roller Girls
How did you come to choose your derby name? I really struggled
finding a name, everything I thought of was either already taken on
TwoEvils or was too similar to someone else on the team. Eventually,
after skating one night I over heard a conversation about someone
making a jellyfish outfit for a fancy dress party, I got in my car to go
home and was snacking on some jelly beans when it just popped into
my head. The number was just picked at random.
How would you describe your skating style? Like an inline skater,
despite my best efforts I still am happiest when I am going at speed
which isn't always ideal for derby. I think my style has changed a lot
over the years- I am pretty agile on my feet and like practicing footwork
drills to improve it.
What is your position of choice? Blocker, I quite like playing sneaky
offence when it is least expected
Tell us about your kit- what is your current set up?
Working at Skatehut means I get to try out loads of kit so I have
'practice' equipment but always go back to a certain set up for bout
days.
Skates:
Crazy Skates DBX3 DNA Custom Boot- Not only does this look
awesome but the custom sizing means it fits my feet perfectly, I
switched to the DBX3 from the DBX4 as I wanted to see what
difference a higher ankle would make and I think it has given me a lot
more control over my sharp lateral movements.
Crazy Venus plate- I have the kingpin upgrade for the weight reduction
and the agility cushions. I love the range of movement in this plate I get
a really good push but a lot more mobility than I've had previously.
Wheels:Heartless Breaker 94a Wheels-No matter how many sets of
wheels I try, on bout day I still prefer these, they are nice and narrow
and I get a good mix of grip and slide from them
Toe Stops-For blocking I prefer a big flat surface so useBig Blocs, for
jamming I like Crazy Bounce or Riedell Moonwalkers
Protection:
CCM Vector 04 Hockey Helmet with Fischer Visor- I've seen too many
concussions and been hit in the face too often to consider anything
else!
Triple 8 Roller Derby Wristguards- I have an old wrist injury from
skating so I like the pull on style of these and the wider palm splint
187 Pro Derby Knee Pads-These dont suit everyone but they work
really well for me
187 Killer Elbows- These are really old but I still love them!
I use a custom fitted mouthguard from the dentist but had always had a
Sisu prior to that
What is on your 'most wanted' kit list at the moment?
I'm about to test out the new TSG Roller Derby 2.0 knee pads this
month and then Deadbolt Grand Slams in May, I am a fan of both
brands so it will be interesting to see how these will feel. My helmet is
going to be upgraded, probably to a new Bauer or CCM model when
they arrive with the new season, I prefer these as they have a rounded
back rather than a more angular shape that you find with some Easton
or Reebok helmets. At the moment I am sorting out a new Skate Park
set up which will be a DBX4 boot but I haven't picked which plates I
want yet, I need some grind blocks so maybe a Sure-grip Avanti.
How do you prepare for a bout? With food!That is no joke either, my
priority is to eat right before I play so I am not over tired or too full.
After that then I like to practice my footwork on track so that I get a
good feel for my edges.
What kind of off skates training do you do? It varies, I am lucky that
our team work with a Strength and Conditioning coach who is really
good, I like to add in gym sessions to work on specific things and then
run or cycle (but only if it is warm- I hate cold weather) I picked up an
injury last season so much of my training has been around recovery
and prevention.
Has Roller Derby changed your life? If so, how? Without a doubt, I
got my job here at Skate Hut as a result of playing derby, I am fitter,
stronger and more confident plus I've travelled and met a lot of cool
people. It's probably the best thing I've ever done.
What is your proudest roller derby moment? I think they get
superceded on a regular basis as things naturally progress- my most
memorable moment was at Track Queens, I'd only been skating a year
and our team had a hard time but it blew my mind to see what the level
of competition was like elsewhere in mainland Europe
Who are your derby heroes?
There are a whole bunch of skaters I admire, and for different reasons
too. I was in awe the first time I saw Mr. Furieux play at the first Men's
Euros, Like most people I idolise pretty much everyone at LRGespecially the way they work together. I could reel of a whole list of
names that would be popular with eveyone (like all of Team USA) but
there are others that I think are worth a mention- Dark Matter, El
Pibe,Tink, Bloxie Blackout,Curly Haar, Demanda Riot,
Do you have any upcoming bouts that you’re really excited for
and why? CCR have a busy year planned balancing British champs
and our WFTDA sanctioned bouts here and overseas- I look forward to
them all.
Other than playing are there any other ways that you involve
yourself in Roller Derby?
My job :) I am responsible for the Roller Derby and Skating divisions
here at Skate Hut
What are your thoughts on Roller Derby as a sport “past, present,
future”?
Derby has already changed so much from when I first started and I still
think of myself as new to the sport. I remember the era of fishnets,
shorts and minor penalties and now see it becoming increasingly more
competitive, demanding and athletic. The sport is moving forward at a
rapid pace and I think it is important to remember how far it has come
and how much it is shaped by the skaters themselves.
Is Roller Derby the only form of skating you do? If no what else do
you do on skates.
I've done all sorts of skating over the years from ice to inline. I still
dable in them and I'd like to do a bit more
Any goals for the future? Outside of derby, I'd like to give speed
skating a go and spend more time at the Skate park. Derby wise my
goals are aligned with my team and include lots of personal skills to
work on. I'd like to see us take on the USA soon.
Anything else you would like to share? My job here at Skate Hut is
to talk to people about derby so if I can be of help to anyone then get
in touch!
Photo Credit: Phil Seymour
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