WWAY’s Alexa Block takes a spin with the Cape Fear Roller Girls

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Cape Fear Rollers Girls let WWAY into their last practice before their home bout Saturday.

The WWAY crew had a chance to learn some basic skills from an experienced Cape Fear Roller Girl. Cabell Bryan also known as McVenom said she has been doing roller derby for years and has been with the team from the beginning.

McVenom said learning how to fall correctly and safely is one of the first things an aspiring roller derby athlete should do. She said slowing yourself down and going to your knees is a good way to control your fall.

“If you know how to fall, you know how to control your body within those falls, even if you’re being flung across the floor, you still know how to bring it back in and keep it safe,” said McVenom.

McVenom said once you’ve got falling down another important skill is footwork. She said skaters shift their weight from side to side to weave through others on the track.

“For footwork and agility, and being able to transfer your weight around on your skates, so you can use your weight without having to use a lot of energy,” said McVenom.

Having some quick movement on the track comes in handy when you’re chasing down or protecting the jammer.

To be a roller derby athlete takes some passion hard work and of course some training.

And the Cape Fear Roller Girls’ work and training will be put to use this Saturday.

The team’s home bout will be at the Cape Fear Community College’s Schwartz Center. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. For more information you check out the team’s website.