Our featured skater this month is local vet nurse Krash Bambi Kute, affectionately known by the league as Bambi. She recently tried out for team NZ and although she didn’t make it this time around we all have big hopes for this Star Jammer next world championships where we feel confident the Bay will be represented. Read more about how Bambi found derby here;
What is your derby name? Please explain the inspiration and story behind your derby name.
Krash Bambi Kute, which was semi chosen for me by a team-mate. When I started skating I looked a baby deer, tottling round looking very awkward. So my coach at the time called me Bambi, and the name stuck! Just Bambi wasn't very tough though, so my mum came up with Krash Bambi Kute, like Crash Bandicoot off of the play station games. I had to spell it different since a girl in up north has a similar name (we aren't allowed to have the same names!).
What is your number? Why did you choose it?
04, because my lucky number is 4. I don't know why, I just like it. I had to add the zero because again someone else already had 4!
Quote & Why?
In derby: The more you sweat in practice, the less you bleed in battle. Try hard! In normal life: Hakuna Matata. No worries, because lifes to short to worry. :)
Describe what Roller Derby means to you?
Roller derby to me.... Hmmm! It has become a way of life, because derby works it's way into every aspect of your life. Although I'm not manically obsessed with it like some people, I would definitely be missing something if I didn't play. Roller Derby opened up a world of people to me, and made me more outgoing. I love the people I have met, and would more lonely! (I met my boyfriend through roller derby, and most of my friends are from derby). It's also something that I'm kind of good at, I've always been pleasantly average at most sports! So it's a huge part of my life, and has definitely shaped who I am now.
Krash Bambi Kute, which was semi chosen for me by a team-mate. When I started skating I looked a baby deer, tottling round looking very awkward. So my coach at the time called me Bambi, and the name stuck! Just Bambi wasn't very tough though, so my mum came up with Krash Bambi Kute, like Crash Bandicoot off of the play station games. I had to spell it different since a girl in up north has a similar name (we aren't allowed to have the same names!).
What is your number? Why did you choose it?
04, because my lucky number is 4. I don't know why, I just like it. I had to add the zero because again someone else already had 4!
Quote & Why?
In derby: The more you sweat in practice, the less you bleed in battle. Try hard! In normal life: Hakuna Matata. No worries, because lifes to short to worry. :)
Describe what Roller Derby means to you?
Roller derby to me.... Hmmm! It has become a way of life, because derby works it's way into every aspect of your life. Although I'm not manically obsessed with it like some people, I would definitely be missing something if I didn't play. Roller Derby opened up a world of people to me, and made me more outgoing. I love the people I have met, and would more lonely! (I met my boyfriend through roller derby, and most of my friends are from derby). It's also something that I'm kind of good at, I've always been pleasantly average at most sports! So it's a huge part of my life, and has definitely shaped who I am now.
How long have you been involved with Roller Derby?
I found derby when I was fresh out of high school, so I have been playing for 3 and a half years now. It's been so much fun and can only get better!
Describe your first Bout?
My first bout is one of my favourite memories of ALL TIME. It was also BCR's first bout, so everybody was super amped. We played the Richter City Convicts (Wellingtons' B team) and we beat them by four points in the last jam! We were all so pumped on adrenaline and exhilaration, it was the most excited I've ever been! I had the crowd cheer my name while I was jamming too, which was the coolest thing ever.
Which team do you play for Twisted Sister/Runaways?
I play for the Runaways. I have been with BCR since they began bouting, and have had the luck to be in the travel team ever since. I love that it changes though, the team you play with at the beginning of the year may not be the same team you play with at the end!
What is your position of choice?
Jammer! I love jamming. I work better by myself than with others, so jamming suits me more. (This doesn't mean my team doesn't help me! They do, a lot. I just am happy to do it by myself if needed too.) I love pushing against walls, that feeling of triumph when you break through. When you pull of a spin or hit on someone and sprint away, I love it all. I block too, but only when I have too! I enjoy one on one blocking, but mainly because I'm not used to communicating in the pack on track.
I found derby when I was fresh out of high school, so I have been playing for 3 and a half years now. It's been so much fun and can only get better!
Describe your first Bout?
My first bout is one of my favourite memories of ALL TIME. It was also BCR's first bout, so everybody was super amped. We played the Richter City Convicts (Wellingtons' B team) and we beat them by four points in the last jam! We were all so pumped on adrenaline and exhilaration, it was the most excited I've ever been! I had the crowd cheer my name while I was jamming too, which was the coolest thing ever.
Which team do you play for Twisted Sister/Runaways?
I play for the Runaways. I have been with BCR since they began bouting, and have had the luck to be in the travel team ever since. I love that it changes though, the team you play with at the beginning of the year may not be the same team you play with at the end!
What is your position of choice?
Jammer! I love jamming. I work better by myself than with others, so jamming suits me more. (This doesn't mean my team doesn't help me! They do, a lot. I just am happy to do it by myself if needed too.) I love pushing against walls, that feeling of triumph when you break through. When you pull of a spin or hit on someone and sprint away, I love it all. I block too, but only when I have too! I enjoy one on one blocking, but mainly because I'm not used to communicating in the pack on track.
What is your skate gear of choice?
I am in love with my Antik skates! They have a special fancy plate and the boot is super comfy. They have really improved my skating style, and I feel like I could just dance in them! (Thanks mum)
Do you have a pre-bout ritual?
I always wear the same undies, and me and Angel smack each others helmets to wake each other up and get our grrrr on! Also, I have to nervous wee about 6 times...
What do you think about when you're lacing up your skates?
I'm usually pretty quiet at this point, I get quite nervous before a game. I think about what I want to work on in this game, like a certain move or strategy I've been working on, how to beat somebody who's been a pain to me in the past, and I make a mantra to repeat in my head.
What has been your best derby moment?
Having my family at my games cheering for me is the biggest thrill. Seeing them get right into it and hearing them while I battle around the track is awesome. Having crowds cheer 'Bambi' and little kids ask for my autograph is second best! The games all roll into one, but I am always enjoying it.
How did you get involved with roller derby?
I was at my grandparents house, and I read an article in the Napier Mail about the Bay City Rollers. I thought, you know... This could be a bit of fun! A few weeks later I was in a pair of second hand skates, becoming "fresh meat". Best decision ever!
I am in love with my Antik skates! They have a special fancy plate and the boot is super comfy. They have really improved my skating style, and I feel like I could just dance in them! (Thanks mum)
Do you have a pre-bout ritual?
I always wear the same undies, and me and Angel smack each others helmets to wake each other up and get our grrrr on! Also, I have to nervous wee about 6 times...
What do you think about when you're lacing up your skates?
I'm usually pretty quiet at this point, I get quite nervous before a game. I think about what I want to work on in this game, like a certain move or strategy I've been working on, how to beat somebody who's been a pain to me in the past, and I make a mantra to repeat in my head.
What has been your best derby moment?
Having my family at my games cheering for me is the biggest thrill. Seeing them get right into it and hearing them while I battle around the track is awesome. Having crowds cheer 'Bambi' and little kids ask for my autograph is second best! The games all roll into one, but I am always enjoying it.
How did you get involved with roller derby?
I was at my grandparents house, and I read an article in the Napier Mail about the Bay City Rollers. I thought, you know... This could be a bit of fun! A few weeks later I was in a pair of second hand skates, becoming "fresh meat". Best decision ever!
What if any are the challenges that come with being involved in this sport?
For most people it's balancing time and family etc, but being young I don't find it too bad. The most challenging part for me would be being injured, I have been out with a knee injury for over a month now. It is a high contact sport, and at some point you will feel a bit worn out. Knowing when to stop and let your body heal takes some patience and control! It is also not a sport for the poor - derby can easily cost you a bomb once you start upgrading gear and get travelling!
Can you talk a bit about your Freshmeat (first year) year and how you learned to play roller derby?
Learning roller derby was interesting. It is hard, sweaty, but gratifying at the same time. Practising something over and over again until you can do it without fear is awesome, as well as nailing those fancy moves the coaches can do! I fell a lot, I learnt to balance my body to not fall, and I learnt that I had finally found something I could be awesome at if I worked hard. I was lucky enough that there was a training day in Gisborne that was offering skills testing, so my awesome mum drove me there for the day. It meant I jumped up to Rockers a bit earlier than normal, a welcome challenge! I was terrible at the actual game, I was so penalty heavy! All I could do was skate fast and not fall down, but I slowly got better :)
What advice do you have for girls who want to join roller derby?
DO IT. You will not regret it! It is worth it for the people, the exercise and new abilities, the confidence! Don't give up. But also be realistic in your goals, it can take a while to be comfy on 8 wheels. Come into derby with an open mind.
For most people it's balancing time and family etc, but being young I don't find it too bad. The most challenging part for me would be being injured, I have been out with a knee injury for over a month now. It is a high contact sport, and at some point you will feel a bit worn out. Knowing when to stop and let your body heal takes some patience and control! It is also not a sport for the poor - derby can easily cost you a bomb once you start upgrading gear and get travelling!
Can you talk a bit about your Freshmeat (first year) year and how you learned to play roller derby?
Learning roller derby was interesting. It is hard, sweaty, but gratifying at the same time. Practising something over and over again until you can do it without fear is awesome, as well as nailing those fancy moves the coaches can do! I fell a lot, I learnt to balance my body to not fall, and I learnt that I had finally found something I could be awesome at if I worked hard. I was lucky enough that there was a training day in Gisborne that was offering skills testing, so my awesome mum drove me there for the day. It meant I jumped up to Rockers a bit earlier than normal, a welcome challenge! I was terrible at the actual game, I was so penalty heavy! All I could do was skate fast and not fall down, but I slowly got better :)
What advice do you have for girls who want to join roller derby?
DO IT. You will not regret it! It is worth it for the people, the exercise and new abilities, the confidence! Don't give up. But also be realistic in your goals, it can take a while to be comfy on 8 wheels. Come into derby with an open mind.
Who are your derby heroes? Porterhouse Skate of course
Hehe... My first ever derby heroine was Miss Angel Rage! She was vivacious and fast, a super jammer. I wanted to be just like Angel! She coached me to jam how I do, and inspired me to always have fun with derby. Don't take it too seriously. Now that I have seen a bit more national and international derby, I have a few more heroes. Lady Trample from Auckland is a girl who I wish to be like on track - strong, athletic, and an effortless jammer. She makes it look easy! Hauss the Boss and Smarty Pants from the Texas Rollergirls are my international heroes, for their agility and incredible understanding of the game.
How would you describe your derby playing style?
It has changed a little over the last three years, becoming more steppy and strong. A lovely ref I know told me I was being lazy, so that prompted me to up my game! Also, seeing the quality of New Zealand skaters at last years Nationals made me try a lot harder. So it evolves a lot!
What is your pre-derby sports/skating background?
I had worn a pair of quad skates once when I was in primary school, but apart from that I'd never been a skater until I started derby. I played netball and rugby in high school, and loved rugby. I was just a bit small and too chicken to play at club level! I now play soccer for Napier City Rovers and I love it!
Hehe... My first ever derby heroine was Miss Angel Rage! She was vivacious and fast, a super jammer. I wanted to be just like Angel! She coached me to jam how I do, and inspired me to always have fun with derby. Don't take it too seriously. Now that I have seen a bit more national and international derby, I have a few more heroes. Lady Trample from Auckland is a girl who I wish to be like on track - strong, athletic, and an effortless jammer. She makes it look easy! Hauss the Boss and Smarty Pants from the Texas Rollergirls are my international heroes, for their agility and incredible understanding of the game.
How would you describe your derby playing style?
It has changed a little over the last three years, becoming more steppy and strong. A lovely ref I know told me I was being lazy, so that prompted me to up my game! Also, seeing the quality of New Zealand skaters at last years Nationals made me try a lot harder. So it evolves a lot!
What is your pre-derby sports/skating background?
I had worn a pair of quad skates once when I was in primary school, but apart from that I'd never been a skater until I started derby. I played netball and rugby in high school, and loved rugby. I was just a bit small and too chicken to play at club level! I now play soccer for Napier City Rovers and I love it!
What tips would you share with skaters looking to improve their jamming/blocking skills?
Watch high level derby, to inspire your skating and find things you want to work towards. Break skills down into manageable steps and work on those steps to nail the overall skill. Don't bite off more than you can chew! Identify what you need to work on, and practise it over and over again. And pick a tough partner to work with - they will push and improve your skills!
What are some of your greatest roller derby accomplishments on the track?
Oooooh hard! Derby becomes a big fast blur, but some moments stick out. Getting a 30 point jam, the first time I ever pivoted (I was so nervous), seeing a jammer fly after blocking them off the jam line, smashing over blockers who dare to turn and face me... Hehe the list could go on! Its the small victories that make derby so awesome, the overall score shrinks in comparison to those.
Do you have any upcoming bouts that you’re really excited for and why?
DUNEDIN!!!!! Our tartan sisters from down south have invited us down to play with them, which is a super exciting prospect! I cant wait, but I have a lot of training to do before then. It's exciting because they did really well at Nationals last year, and it will be a really challenging game. We are going to have to really gel as a team on the day, and work really hard to get our skills as good as we can possibly get them before September. Eeeekk!! And also our Home Bout in November, because I love having my friends and family watching.
Watch high level derby, to inspire your skating and find things you want to work towards. Break skills down into manageable steps and work on those steps to nail the overall skill. Don't bite off more than you can chew! Identify what you need to work on, and practise it over and over again. And pick a tough partner to work with - they will push and improve your skills!
What are some of your greatest roller derby accomplishments on the track?
Oooooh hard! Derby becomes a big fast blur, but some moments stick out. Getting a 30 point jam, the first time I ever pivoted (I was so nervous), seeing a jammer fly after blocking them off the jam line, smashing over blockers who dare to turn and face me... Hehe the list could go on! Its the small victories that make derby so awesome, the overall score shrinks in comparison to those.
Do you have any upcoming bouts that you’re really excited for and why?
DUNEDIN!!!!! Our tartan sisters from down south have invited us down to play with them, which is a super exciting prospect! I cant wait, but I have a lot of training to do before then. It's exciting because they did really well at Nationals last year, and it will be a really challenging game. We are going to have to really gel as a team on the day, and work really hard to get our skills as good as we can possibly get them before September. Eeeekk!! And also our Home Bout in November, because I love having my friends and family watching.
How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
I eat better, I work out more, and I enjoy life more. It has helped me come more out of my shell - I have always been relatively confident, but was quite happy to be by myself and at home. Derby pushes me into being more social and involved in the derby community, and has enabled me to become a coach. I had never been a coach before and it is an experience which has changed how I view others and what I am capable of.
Have you noticed any changes in yourself since starting?
It has made me so much more aware of myself - my health, my eating habits, my strength and fitness. I know that if I don't go to training or if I eat crap then I feel blah. I have a lot more energy because of derby! I'm much more accepting of people too, because there is such a huge range of people that you have to deal with, so I think derby has helped me become a better person.
What is your day job? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby?
I am a vet nurse. My nursing job is very different to my derby life, and they don't really cross over at all. Sometimes my boss blocks me unexpectedly when I'm walking through the corridor! It shows that derby is taking over though - nearly everybody at work knows somebody involved in derby, or has come and seen me play!
I eat better, I work out more, and I enjoy life more. It has helped me come more out of my shell - I have always been relatively confident, but was quite happy to be by myself and at home. Derby pushes me into being more social and involved in the derby community, and has enabled me to become a coach. I had never been a coach before and it is an experience which has changed how I view others and what I am capable of.
Have you noticed any changes in yourself since starting?
It has made me so much more aware of myself - my health, my eating habits, my strength and fitness. I know that if I don't go to training or if I eat crap then I feel blah. I have a lot more energy because of derby! I'm much more accepting of people too, because there is such a huge range of people that you have to deal with, so I think derby has helped me become a better person.
What is your day job? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby?
I am a vet nurse. My nursing job is very different to my derby life, and they don't really cross over at all. Sometimes my boss blocks me unexpectedly when I'm walking through the corridor! It shows that derby is taking over though - nearly everybody at work knows somebody involved in derby, or has come and seen me play!
How do you find a balance between your derby life and your “real” life?
I find it's not too bad, I have set amounts of work that I have to do for derby so I will obsess over my projects until they are perfected then have a rest. I find the long derby season tiring, but also enjoy the regularity. I'm probably one of the few that struggles to not let 'real life' (all my other projects and people) take over a bit too much! I'm good at prioritising, so can change things to fit what needs my attention. If it's derby, then that comes first. If its another project, I take a step back from derby. It all works out.
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to?
My family! My parents, grandparents and other family members who take an interest in derby and come and watch me play, thank you. Thank you to my boyfriend Micky, for loving derby too and spending time getting involved in my derby life. To my wife, Billy, thanks for making me try harder! For being awesome and pushing me to become a better jammer and blocker. To Angel, for being my bestie and always supporting me and driving me to be more awesome. And making me have a good time! To all my derby coaches and family, thank you for being in my life :)
I find it's not too bad, I have set amounts of work that I have to do for derby so I will obsess over my projects until they are perfected then have a rest. I find the long derby season tiring, but also enjoy the regularity. I'm probably one of the few that struggles to not let 'real life' (all my other projects and people) take over a bit too much! I'm good at prioritising, so can change things to fit what needs my attention. If it's derby, then that comes first. If its another project, I take a step back from derby. It all works out.
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to?
My family! My parents, grandparents and other family members who take an interest in derby and come and watch me play, thank you. Thank you to my boyfriend Micky, for loving derby too and spending time getting involved in my derby life. To my wife, Billy, thanks for making me try harder! For being awesome and pushing me to become a better jammer and blocker. To Angel, for being my bestie and always supporting me and driving me to be more awesome. And making me have a good time! To all my derby coaches and family, thank you for being in my life :)
Wanna read more? Check out Bambi's wicked blog bambislifetravels.com
