Watching the Hurricane Alley Roller Derby (H.A.R.D.) compete is an action packed experience. Courtesy photo
Roller derby boot camps and tryouts are year-round for the Hurricane Alley Roller Derby team in Corpus Christi, which now calls the American Bank Center home! You, too, can become part of the world's fastest growing sport.
You only need to follow a few simple rules to try out.
For example, no rollerblades! Quad roller skates only, along with protective gear including helmet, mouth guard, elbow and knee pads and wrist guards. Most importantly on that list: skaters must have a good attitude and be coachable. Oh, yeah, you have to be over the age of 18 as well.
Boot camps are essential to preparing yourself for tryouts, say the coaches. You'll get to the know the team and whether or not being a H.A.R.D. skater is for you. (H.A.R.D = Hurricane Alley Roller Derby.) Coaches urge anyone with the urge to surge, to try out.
"We accept skaters of ALL skill levels," they say.
If the rough and tumble of a roller race is not for you, maybe you want to learn to referee or volunteer to help put on an event. The derbies draw 500 plus spectators, so it takes more than a few skaters and an opposing team to have a bout.
H.A.R.D. beginnings
H.A.R.D. came to life on Halloween Day, 2005, the creation of a group of local women who had been skating together and wanting to form a league. The Hurricane Alley team, which is skater-owned and -operated, works to promote roller derby in the Corpus Christi community.
Tickets are available online and at the door. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 10 and younger.
For more information on derby events, visit hurricanealleyrd.com.
