Hudson Valley Is Home to Many Roller Derby Teams

Roller Derby is hotter than ever and the Hudson Valley is home to multiple teams. What is roller derby? It is a tough contact sport, where two teams made up of five members each skate in the same direction at fast speeds while to score points against the other team. It is more physical then it sounds, with offensive and defensive actions being taken by all of the team members at the same time.

A few teams that compete in the Hudson Valley are as follows:

• The Mid-Hudson Misfits, based in Accord at Skate Time 209
• Hudson Valley Horrors, based at Hyde Park Roller Magic in Hyde Park
• Suburbia Roller Derby, based in Westchester
• Mans Ruin Roller Girls, based in Sugar Loaf

Most of the teams closely follow the rules that have been put into place by the Womens Flat Track Derby Association. Players ages can range from 18 years of age and up. Certain physical requirements do need to be met, but women of all shapes, sizes, athletic ability and ages are encouraged to contact their local team to find out more information on how to be a player, volunteer for the team or as a scoring official.

Have you every been on a roller derby team? Do you recommend it to others? Do you have any advice?

Here are a few members of the Hudson Valley Horrors in action: