Big Island Babes: Junior derby skaters learn to roll, roughhouse, respect

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The Big Island Babes’ 2016 season is underway, but the junior roller derby league program has ongoing recruitment for skaters ages 7 to 17.

The Big Island Babes’ 2016 season is underway, but the junior roller derby league program has ongoing recruitment for skaters ages 7 to 17.

Babes, founded in June 2011, is East Hawaii’s co-ed junior roller derby league, associated with Paradise Roller Girls. The league teaches youth skaters the importance of respect for one another as well as oneself, while focusing on skating fun.

The Paradise Roller Girls’ website says the junior derby’s goals are “to advance the growth of roller derby and to nurture bold, self-confident youth by developing teamwork and athletic ability.”

Youth skaters are grouped by skill level, not to segregate, but to better address each young skater’s different strengths and weakness. All practices are directed by head coach Todd Selden, also known as DJ Killah, and each group is facilitated by a PRG leage skater or referee as a primary coach.

Babes practices are from noon-2 p.m. Sundays at Wainaku Gym, 30 Aikane Loop Road in Hilo.

For more information, email PRG at paradiserollergirls@gmail.com, message the BIB Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Bigislandbabes or attend a “Free Skate Friday” from 6-8 p.m. most Friday nights at Wainaku gym.