New Skater Guide

Gear and Maintenance

New Skaters in Crash Course

We have free loaner gear available while you learn.

Loaner gear must stay at the Derby Depot so other skaters can use it throughout the week.

After graduating Crash Course, you’ll need your own gear. Here’s what you’ll need:

  1. Skates

  2. Helmet

  3. Elbow and Knee Pads

  4. Wrist Guards

  5. Mouthguard

Find basic gear info with product links in the other blocks.

If you’re new to derby and need help choosing, ask any coach or player - we are here to help!

Skates

Derby skate brands we recommend are Riedell, Bont, and Antik. Keep in mind that skates are sold in men’s sizes and Bont skates are sized differently, always check the size guide and measure your feet. You can also ask fellow players with your same size to try on their skates.

Full set up / skate package options:

  1. Low Cost: R3 Reidell Skate Package

  2. Mid-Range Cost: Bont Hybrid Skate Package

We recommend not purchasing high cost skates as a beginner. You can always sell your beginner skates and upgrade later.

  1. Wicked Skatewear – Derby Skates

  2. Derby Warehouse – Derby Skates

Wheels and Toe Stops

Wheels - are rated by hardness.  You need a harder wheel for indoor skating (roller derby) than for outdoor skating. We recommend a wheel hardness from  91A - 95A (Skate packages usually come with a wheel in that range but check to make sure).

  1. Low Cost Quality Wheels: Sonar Aura 92A

  2. Many of our skaters use: RADAR 91A & RADAR 93A

  3. All Options: Derby Warehouse – Roller Derby Wheels

Toe Stops – The skates you buy will come with acceptable toe stops, but you may want to upgrade as you advance in roller derby.

  1. Wicked Skatewear – Gumball Superball Toe Stops

  2. Wicked Skatewear – Bionic Super Stoppers

Helmets & Mouthguards

You need derby-rated or hockey-rated helmets. Bike helmets don't work unless approved by coaches. Visors are optional. You can add stickers, but don't add 3D decorations as they void your WFTDA insurance and create safety risks.

Hockey Helmets: Pure Hockey

Derby Helmets (No Visor):

  1. Derby Warehouse – Triple 8 Certified Sweatsaver

  2. Derby Warehouse - S1 Lifer

Derby Helmets (Visor):

  1. Derby Warehouse – Triple 8 Certified Sweatsaver

  2. Derby Warehouse – S1 Lifer Visor

Mouthguards – Many of our skaters use SISU mouthguards. Here are some options for SISU mouthguards and other brands.

  1. Amazon – Mouthguards for Roller Derby

  2. Derby Warehouse –  Mouthguard

Elbow and Knee Pads, Wrist Guards

Gear Maintenance

Gear Maintenance

Helmet Care – Check your helmet lining every 6 months and replace if worn. Inspect the shell for cracks and check chin straps for tears. If cracked, replace your helmet immediately. To clean, wipe the outside with a warm cloth and spray the inside with sanitizing spray.

Mouthguard – Wash weekly with toothpaste and a toothbrush. For deep cleaning, soak overnight in Listerine or denture cleaner. Refit boil-and-bite mouthguards as needed (check manufacturer guidelines for how many refits are safe). Replace if torn or no longer fits properly. 

Bearings – Bearings get dirty over time, and they can be cleaned or replaced. We recommend Bones Reds Skate Bearings (8mm, 16 Pack), which can be purchased at local skate shops (we like Time Machine) or Amazon. 

Elbow Pads, Wrist Pads, and Knee pads – After every practice, spray your gear with deodorizer or sanitizing spray (check ingredients if you have sensitive skin) and let it dry completely. Setting gear in the sun for an hour helps it dry thoroughly and kills bacteria.

Deep Clean every 3 months – ENZO Clean is a great product and has tutorials on how to deep clean your gear.