Attention to our spectacular sponsors, fabulous fans, supporters and fellow derby darlings. Now's the time to make like derby and apply some urgency toward the first step on your derby journey by joining our latest freshmeat intake (Contact us now!). This advice is 100% backed up by our featured skater, Honey Grenade who says she waited far too long to strap on skates and join the BCR athletes on track in this wonderful game we love to play. So listen up soldier...we want you, just like we wanted Honey, who tells her story below and if a full contact sport isn't for you, but you LOVE to skate, then quick march toward our team of zebras and NSOs as there's something for everyone at BCR...
What is your derby name? Please explain the inspiration and story behind your derby name Honey Grenade?
I wanted a name that represented who I am in more ways than 1. Honey, because I’m certainly not tough, plus I live by Arataki Honey and, Grenade as my hubby, who has supported me 110%, had just completed 22 years in the army. Honey Grenade, a natural fit as it suits who I am...
What is your number? Why did you choose it?
76. It’s the year I was born. So when the refs are calling my number and sending me to the penalty box (which happens a lot) I’ll recognise it quickly and get off the track.
What is your derby name? Please explain the inspiration and story behind your derby name Honey Grenade?
I wanted a name that represented who I am in more ways than 1. Honey, because I’m certainly not tough, plus I live by Arataki Honey and, Grenade as my hubby, who has supported me 110%, had just completed 22 years in the army. Honey Grenade, a natural fit as it suits who I am...
What is your number? Why did you choose it?
76. It’s the year I was born. So when the refs are calling my number and sending me to the penalty box (which happens a lot) I’ll recognise it quickly and get off the track.
Quote & Why?
Everything will be sweet as with honey.... Because it will... I will work my butt off, get right into the thick of it and won’t let you down...
Describe what Roller Derby means to you?
It’s not just a sport it’s the whole culture around it. The members are all committed to representing and making Hawke’s Bay proud when we play other leagues. But we also do so much within the community and love giving back. Last year we donated our door takings to many local charities, set up Santa’s Wonderland in Hastings for the local business association, and we’ve had award winning floats in the Spring Festival thanks to some dedicated and very creative members. The biggest achievement last year was the petition BCR started to secure council funding and get the Windsor Skate Park resurfaced! There are so many talented people in the league. It’s a well-oiled machine, using each individuals skills to better the league as a whole.
How long have you been involved with Roller Derby?
My Freshmeat 20 week course started in April 2013. Since then I haven’t stopped. I even received the annual award for ‘Never Miss’ - best attendance in my first year!
Everything will be sweet as with honey.... Because it will... I will work my butt off, get right into the thick of it and won’t let you down...
Describe what Roller Derby means to you?
It’s not just a sport it’s the whole culture around it. The members are all committed to representing and making Hawke’s Bay proud when we play other leagues. But we also do so much within the community and love giving back. Last year we donated our door takings to many local charities, set up Santa’s Wonderland in Hastings for the local business association, and we’ve had award winning floats in the Spring Festival thanks to some dedicated and very creative members. The biggest achievement last year was the petition BCR started to secure council funding and get the Windsor Skate Park resurfaced! There are so many talented people in the league. It’s a well-oiled machine, using each individuals skills to better the league as a whole.
How long have you been involved with Roller Derby?
My Freshmeat 20 week course started in April 2013. Since then I haven’t stopped. I even received the annual award for ‘Never Miss’ - best attendance in my first year!
Describe your first Bout?
Gosh I don’t really remember it. But knowing me, my nerves would have been on the edge. There would have been many ‘WTF moments’ and all the training around rules, penalties and strategy would have been completely forgotten on the first whistle. I remember being sent to the penalty box quite a few times and I thought I was the worst team member anyone could ever want! Luckily now I know that penalties are part of the game and even the most senior players get sent to the penalty box.
Which team do you play for Twisted Sister/Runaways?
Twisted Sisters! A bunch of determined girls who are developing their skills so fast that we have an amazing track record that keeps growing!
What is your position of choice?
The coaches like to put me as Jammer, but I prefer to be a blocker until I’ve warmed up.
Gosh I don’t really remember it. But knowing me, my nerves would have been on the edge. There would have been many ‘WTF moments’ and all the training around rules, penalties and strategy would have been completely forgotten on the first whistle. I remember being sent to the penalty box quite a few times and I thought I was the worst team member anyone could ever want! Luckily now I know that penalties are part of the game and even the most senior players get sent to the penalty box.
Which team do you play for Twisted Sister/Runaways?
Twisted Sisters! A bunch of determined girls who are developing their skills so fast that we have an amazing track record that keeps growing!
What is your position of choice?
The coaches like to put me as Jammer, but I prefer to be a blocker until I’ve warmed up.
What is your skate gear of choice?
I’m still on my freshmeat Suregrip rebels with upgrades to my wheels, nuts, cushions and toe stops. The abundance of gear on the market makes one spoilt for choice so it can be very confusing, especially if you’re a beginner. I slowly upgrade my gear as I begin to understand and rely on better products that will make me a better skater.
Do you have a pre-bout ritual?
Go to the bathroom twice, maybe three times...
What do you think about when you're lacing up your skates?
I need to go to the bathroom... again.... I wish the nerves would calm down, I wish the butterflies would go away. But most of the time I’m watching the other team warming up, sussing them out, watching for the weakest link.
What has been your best derby moments?
Passing my skills test! MVP for my Cherry Popping bout and another bout in 2014 plus being selected to play in the Red or Dead team at Sur5al with Happy, Angel, Chaos and Mortal! I was the little tendermeat and they took me under their wings!
I’m still on my freshmeat Suregrip rebels with upgrades to my wheels, nuts, cushions and toe stops. The abundance of gear on the market makes one spoilt for choice so it can be very confusing, especially if you’re a beginner. I slowly upgrade my gear as I begin to understand and rely on better products that will make me a better skater.
Do you have a pre-bout ritual?
Go to the bathroom twice, maybe three times...
What do you think about when you're lacing up your skates?
I need to go to the bathroom... again.... I wish the nerves would calm down, I wish the butterflies would go away. But most of the time I’m watching the other team warming up, sussing them out, watching for the weakest link.
What has been your best derby moments?
Passing my skills test! MVP for my Cherry Popping bout and another bout in 2014 plus being selected to play in the Red or Dead team at Sur5al with Happy, Angel, Chaos and Mortal! I was the little tendermeat and they took me under their wings!
How did you get involved with roller derby?
One stormy Sunday night.... I was watching 60 minutes when a documentary came on about Roller Derby. I was fascinated and didn’t stop thinking about it. I even stalked the Wellington League Freshmeat intakes for 2 years! My work/life/commute balance in Wellington was full on, so I never had any time. But moving to Hawkes Bay a few years back was the complete reverse and I jumped into the first available intake with Bay City Rollers as soon as I got here!
What if any are the challenges that come with being involved in this sport?
Be prepared for a few bruises. You may get injured, but the protective gear we wear really does its job. Invest in your gear wisely and listen to your body. If you’re sore, don’t push yourself, you’ll just make it worse.
Can you talk a bit about your Freshmeat (first year) year and how you learned to play roller derby?
I went to a few casual skate nights in our old Warehouse prior to starting. I was lucky enough to get the basics of skating under my belt with Annie von Carnage. Then on the first day of Freshmeat 24 people turned up to give it a go!! By the 8th week we were down to about 8! Most of those girls are still involved with BCR today whether it’s on or off skates. Our Freshmeat intake was coached by most of the senior BCR players and refs. I was in absolute awe of them, which made me even more determined to stay committed and keep trying. Still to this day I look at those players and absorb everything they do on the track. Step by step, day by day, you eventually master those skills and learn this complex game.
One stormy Sunday night.... I was watching 60 minutes when a documentary came on about Roller Derby. I was fascinated and didn’t stop thinking about it. I even stalked the Wellington League Freshmeat intakes for 2 years! My work/life/commute balance in Wellington was full on, so I never had any time. But moving to Hawkes Bay a few years back was the complete reverse and I jumped into the first available intake with Bay City Rollers as soon as I got here!
What if any are the challenges that come with being involved in this sport?
Be prepared for a few bruises. You may get injured, but the protective gear we wear really does its job. Invest in your gear wisely and listen to your body. If you’re sore, don’t push yourself, you’ll just make it worse.
Can you talk a bit about your Freshmeat (first year) year and how you learned to play roller derby?
I went to a few casual skate nights in our old Warehouse prior to starting. I was lucky enough to get the basics of skating under my belt with Annie von Carnage. Then on the first day of Freshmeat 24 people turned up to give it a go!! By the 8th week we were down to about 8! Most of those girls are still involved with BCR today whether it’s on or off skates. Our Freshmeat intake was coached by most of the senior BCR players and refs. I was in absolute awe of them, which made me even more determined to stay committed and keep trying. Still to this day I look at those players and absorb everything they do on the track. Step by step, day by day, you eventually master those skills and learn this complex game.
What advice do you have for girls who want to join roller derby?
Just do it NOW! I waited 2 years. If only I had started with Richter in Wellington 2 years prior – imagine how good I would be now!
Who are your derby heroes?
At BCR when we pass our freshmeat we are all assigned a buddy to help us with the transition of skating with the big girls. So my obvious choice is my own buddy and mentor Happy Killmore. She was and still is my rock within the league. Her knowledge of the game, support, strategy and skill is a huge asset not only to me, but also the league. The buddy system within BCR really does make the determined remain more committed.
How would you describe your derby playing style?
Hhhhmmmm Passive Aggressive. A little firecracker, but once the fuse is lit I go for it.
What is your pre-derby sports/skate background?
I remember going to Skateworld in Onekawa when I was 7, does that count? I’ve water and snowed skied since I was young, so that’s helped with my balance on quads. Apart from that I hadn’t played any team sports since I left high school.
Just do it NOW! I waited 2 years. If only I had started with Richter in Wellington 2 years prior – imagine how good I would be now!
Who are your derby heroes?
At BCR when we pass our freshmeat we are all assigned a buddy to help us with the transition of skating with the big girls. So my obvious choice is my own buddy and mentor Happy Killmore. She was and still is my rock within the league. Her knowledge of the game, support, strategy and skill is a huge asset not only to me, but also the league. The buddy system within BCR really does make the determined remain more committed.
How would you describe your derby playing style?
Hhhhmmmm Passive Aggressive. A little firecracker, but once the fuse is lit I go for it.
What is your pre-derby sports/skate background?
I remember going to Skateworld in Onekawa when I was 7, does that count? I’ve water and snowed skied since I was young, so that’s helped with my balance on quads. Apart from that I hadn’t played any team sports since I left high school.
What tips would you share with skaters looking to improve their jamming/blocking skills?
Watch your team mates, watch lots of games and practice it over and over again.
What are some of your greatest roller derby accomplishments on the track?
My first vivid hip check against a Jammer on the apex and then ‘remembering’ to run her back in one of my first bouts. Finally I felt like I had done something right – and understood what I was doing!
Do you have any upcoming bouts that you’re really excited for and why?
Twisted Sisters have a really busy year ahead. I don’t know much about Sulphur (Rotorua) but I’m really looking forward to playing them at home in April. It will be the battle of the Pink and one game I might even let my Mother watch.
How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
I’m pretty busy these days and don’t have a lot of time to relax. When I do have a spare moment I’m often looking at the weather forecast and will try and plan a skate along Marine Parade along with coaxing my hubby to get back on his roller blades plus kids on their scooters to keep me company along the way.
Watch your team mates, watch lots of games and practice it over and over again.
What are some of your greatest roller derby accomplishments on the track?
My first vivid hip check against a Jammer on the apex and then ‘remembering’ to run her back in one of my first bouts. Finally I felt like I had done something right – and understood what I was doing!
Do you have any upcoming bouts that you’re really excited for and why?
Twisted Sisters have a really busy year ahead. I don’t know much about Sulphur (Rotorua) but I’m really looking forward to playing them at home in April. It will be the battle of the Pink and one game I might even let my Mother watch.
How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
I’m pretty busy these days and don’t have a lot of time to relax. When I do have a spare moment I’m often looking at the weather forecast and will try and plan a skate along Marine Parade along with coaxing my hubby to get back on his roller blades plus kids on their scooters to keep me company along the way.
Have you noticed any changes in yourself since starting?
Confidence! You would have never caught me in hot pants prior to derby!
What is your day job? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby?
I’m a Sales Manager for a group of luxury lodges around the country. Work and Derby don’t contribute to each other at all, however my steep walk up to my office every morning is a fantastic work out and one that I time myself on so I know I’m getting faster and fitter.
How do you find a balance between your derby life and your ‘real’ life?
When I’m at home, I’m hanging out with my family and trying to be the best and most active Mum they could have. I’m fully committed to my work and love my job but can’t wait for training days so I can forget about any stress I have. I love Derby, but family always comes first.
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to?
Sgt Maj Wooley, thanking you for supporting me with my goal and for becoming a Derby Widower, and looking after the kids while I’m achieving it.
Confidence! You would have never caught me in hot pants prior to derby!
What is your day job? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby?
I’m a Sales Manager for a group of luxury lodges around the country. Work and Derby don’t contribute to each other at all, however my steep walk up to my office every morning is a fantastic work out and one that I time myself on so I know I’m getting faster and fitter.
How do you find a balance between your derby life and your ‘real’ life?
When I’m at home, I’m hanging out with my family and trying to be the best and most active Mum they could have. I’m fully committed to my work and love my job but can’t wait for training days so I can forget about any stress I have. I love Derby, but family always comes first.
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to?
Sgt Maj Wooley, thanking you for supporting me with my goal and for becoming a Derby Widower, and looking after the kids while I’m achieving it.
