Roller skating and rollerblading cultures are thriving in Oklahoma — with enthusiasts found at roller rinks, during derby games, on sidewalks and in parks and other outdoor meet-ups around the state.
Abbey Haughey is the public relations chair for the adult roller derby team the Roughneck Rollers Derby, and the head coach for Roadkill Rollers, the junior team, both based in Tulsa.
“We offer community, friendship, empowerment and so much more,” she says. “You end up becoming your own hero by discovering what you’re capable of. We are skaters, refs and non-skating officials.”
Haughey says roller derby is a hard-hitting sport, and many skaters get to travel to play other teams, helping them to make friends with folks across the region.
“We have kids who are ages seven to 17 who we coach and train,” she shares. “They blow me away with their grit and perseverance.”
As public relations committee head at Twister City Roller Derby (TCRD) in Oklahoma City, Ellen Lechel says that roller skating is “an excellent form of exercise because it offers an engaging, low impact, cardiovascular workout that engages the entire body. But when you add the game of roller derby, there will be some impact!”
TCRD offers competitive and recreational roller derby play for adults 18+ across Oklahoma and the southern region.
“We have volunteer opportunities for those who maybe don’t want to go hurdling into their friends for fun, but still want to be part of this amazing community and contribute to making roller derby special, on or off skates,” says Lechel. “We also have an affiliate junior’s team, the Dust Devils, for ages eight to 17.”
Lechel mentions that LCRD is always looking to welcome new members into the ranks.
“We post on social media and [post] flyers around town about upcoming new recruit events which teach adults how to skate and the rules of roller derby,” she says. “Overall, skaters have a tendency to find their people pretty quickly.”
Haughey mentions that for the Roughnecks, “recruitment for new skaters is typically in February or August. There are also skaters in the community who organize skate nights through social media. The adult skate nights usually have different people from all the communities. But you can typically find the roller derby players by our big knee pads.”
Roller skating sports, such as roller derby, dance/jam skating and park skating create a strong sense of community, allow skaters to express themselves and help with overall fitness.
“We get a community out of it,” says Haughey. “It’s also amazing cardio and a way to move your body while being a little softer on your knees. There is a lot more core and leg strength needed for roller skating, so it truly serves as a full body workout while being fun and empowering.”
Lechel concludes: “Oklahoma skaters look out for each other, teach each other and encourage new people to join. It’s not just a sport; it’s a full social life and a culture.”
