Our own little cupcake, Sugar and Spite is BCRs featured skater this month. Just like her sweet creations, that we’ve all enjoyed since Spite joined the league, she sure knows how to keep rising. Despite (pun intended) skating not being completely natural to our talented songbird, Spite knows how to keep getting up after being knocked back, down or out. Spite has been an amazing contributor to the league organising one of our successful home bouts and although we know and love her as Spite…she’s all sugar at heart.
What is your derby name?
Sugar & Spite. I went through a number of names before finding the one that fit. I have always been described by others as a nice person and when I joined derby I was working as a baker so when the name came to me, it seemed to fit perfectly. Generally I’m known in the league as, Spite.
What is your number? Why did you choose it?
My number is 180c – 180 degrees Celsius is the temperature cupcakes are baked at, so it was fitting.
What is your derby name?
Sugar & Spite. I went through a number of names before finding the one that fit. I have always been described by others as a nice person and when I joined derby I was working as a baker so when the name came to me, it seemed to fit perfectly. Generally I’m known in the league as, Spite.
What is your number? Why did you choose it?
My number is 180c – 180 degrees Celsius is the temperature cupcakes are baked at, so it was fitting.
Quote & Why?
My skater quote is “These ain’t your Grandma’s biscuits” It seemed funny at the time – insinuating not to judge a book by its cover. I might look sweet and innocent, but I can pack a punch!
Describe what Roller Derby means to you?
Amazing friends, fitness, fun, competition, pushing myself and finding strength that I didn’t realise I had.
How long have you been involved with Roller Derby?
Just over 2 years now.
Describe your first Bout?
I was a bundle of nerves for the day or two beforehand. The bout was a complete blur of me having absolutely no clue what I was doing if I’m honest. I finally found my groove about 10 minutes before the final whistle and was so disappointed that it had to end. Afterward I was on a high for about an hour and then all I wanted to do was sleep
My skater quote is “These ain’t your Grandma’s biscuits” It seemed funny at the time – insinuating not to judge a book by its cover. I might look sweet and innocent, but I can pack a punch!
Describe what Roller Derby means to you?
Amazing friends, fitness, fun, competition, pushing myself and finding strength that I didn’t realise I had.
How long have you been involved with Roller Derby?
Just over 2 years now.
Describe your first Bout?
I was a bundle of nerves for the day or two beforehand. The bout was a complete blur of me having absolutely no clue what I was doing if I’m honest. I finally found my groove about 10 minutes before the final whistle and was so disappointed that it had to end. Afterward I was on a high for about an hour and then all I wanted to do was sleep
Which team do you play for Twisted Sister/Runaways?
Twisted Sisters.
What is your position of choice?
I really enjoy playing Blockers 2 and 4 but am starting to find my voice as pivot which surprised me but is also exciting.
What is your skate gear of choice?
I wear Riedell 165 boots, which I have modified with plates, cushions and wheels to suit me and my skating style. For the gear geeks out there I skate on Magnesium Avenger DA45 plates fitted with 85a cushions and gumball toestops. My wheels are Rollerbones Turbos – usually a combination of 92A and 88A in a pusher set up, with Rob’s magic bearings.
My protective gear is all Triple Eight and I absolutely swear by the SISU mouthguards – they make shouting to your team mates so much easier!
Twisted Sisters.
What is your position of choice?
I really enjoy playing Blockers 2 and 4 but am starting to find my voice as pivot which surprised me but is also exciting.
What is your skate gear of choice?
I wear Riedell 165 boots, which I have modified with plates, cushions and wheels to suit me and my skating style. For the gear geeks out there I skate on Magnesium Avenger DA45 plates fitted with 85a cushions and gumball toestops. My wheels are Rollerbones Turbos – usually a combination of 92A and 88A in a pusher set up, with Rob’s magic bearings.
My protective gear is all Triple Eight and I absolutely swear by the SISU mouthguards – they make shouting to your team mates so much easier!
Do you have a pre-bout ritual?
Deep breathing and a healthy dose of Rescue Remedy. I also try to listen to an upbeat song and sing at the top of my lungs (usually by myself in the car) to help expel any nerves or negative energy.
What do you think about when you're lacing up your skates?
Keeping my head in the game – being present, aware of my body, my capabilities and positive self-talk to push myself just a little bit more than I previously have.
What has been your best derby moment?
There are two that come to mind – the Tender Meat scrimmage at Low Down Derby Throwdown and playing in the Sur5al tournament in Levin in May. It was an exhausting day but I got to play against some of the top derby players in New Zealand and really learn where my strengths and weaknesses lie on the track.
How did you get involved with roller derby?
I had been interested in derby for a long time, after seeing a 20/20 slot years ago about the startup of derby in NZ. It wasn’t until I attended the first BCR home bout in April of 2012 that I’d actually seen any live derby. Needless to say I signed up to fresh meat that night and the next month I was away!
Deep breathing and a healthy dose of Rescue Remedy. I also try to listen to an upbeat song and sing at the top of my lungs (usually by myself in the car) to help expel any nerves or negative energy.
What do you think about when you're lacing up your skates?
Keeping my head in the game – being present, aware of my body, my capabilities and positive self-talk to push myself just a little bit more than I previously have.
What has been your best derby moment?
There are two that come to mind – the Tender Meat scrimmage at Low Down Derby Throwdown and playing in the Sur5al tournament in Levin in May. It was an exhausting day but I got to play against some of the top derby players in New Zealand and really learn where my strengths and weaknesses lie on the track.
How did you get involved with roller derby?
I had been interested in derby for a long time, after seeing a 20/20 slot years ago about the startup of derby in NZ. It wasn’t until I attended the first BCR home bout in April of 2012 that I’d actually seen any live derby. Needless to say I signed up to fresh meat that night and the next month I was away!
What, if any, are the challenges that come with being involved in this sport?
Derby takes a lot of commitment if you want to pursue it seriously. The league trains twice a week, but I also train outside of derby off skates a couple of times a week. I find the extra fitness boost really helps my skating, but it’s a lot of work. Recently I bought a t-shirt that says “I can’t. I have Derby.” I think a lot of girls can relate! Learning not only to fall, but to get back up (and keep getting back up!) has been a big challenge for me.
Can you talk a bit about your Freshmeat (first year) year and how you learned to play roller derby?
Technically I am still freshmeat skating-wise although I have been in the league for 2 years. I am not a natural skater. Every time I put my skates on brings a new set of challenges for me. So freshmeat was hard. But I was so determined that I would not fail, that I just kept on going. It was disheartening to repeat the freshmeat course but I believe it’s made me a better skater at this end of my derby journey. Freshmeat is a great time – for learning, for making new friends and for challenging yourself and pushing your own boundaries. I learned to play by watching a lot of derby, getting involved in bouts through NSO-ing and by watching our team play. I also watch bouts online, some of the international games are amazing; they inspire me to get better at what I do.
Derby takes a lot of commitment if you want to pursue it seriously. The league trains twice a week, but I also train outside of derby off skates a couple of times a week. I find the extra fitness boost really helps my skating, but it’s a lot of work. Recently I bought a t-shirt that says “I can’t. I have Derby.” I think a lot of girls can relate! Learning not only to fall, but to get back up (and keep getting back up!) has been a big challenge for me.
Can you talk a bit about your Freshmeat (first year) year and how you learned to play roller derby?
Technically I am still freshmeat skating-wise although I have been in the league for 2 years. I am not a natural skater. Every time I put my skates on brings a new set of challenges for me. So freshmeat was hard. But I was so determined that I would not fail, that I just kept on going. It was disheartening to repeat the freshmeat course but I believe it’s made me a better skater at this end of my derby journey. Freshmeat is a great time – for learning, for making new friends and for challenging yourself and pushing your own boundaries. I learned to play by watching a lot of derby, getting involved in bouts through NSO-ing and by watching our team play. I also watch bouts online, some of the international games are amazing; they inspire me to get better at what I do.
What advice do you have for girls who want to join roller derby?
Don’t think, just do! You won’t regret it.
Who are your derby heroes?
Within BCR I have had a lot of support and encouragement from everyone, but skating wise I particularly admire Happy’s footwork. Nationally, I really admire Miss Crunchbull from Hellmilton Roller Ghouls and Lady Trample, Sugar Hit from Pirate City Rollers and Fia Fasi Oe? from K-Town. Globally, I love watching Smarty Pants and Scald Eagle skate.
How would you describe your derby playing style?
Messy! I am definitely still learning, but I have found that I am getting a taste for playing offensively, clearing a path for our jammer and squeezing people out of the way.
What is your pre-derby sports/skating background?
I have dabbled in everything from Ballet and Jazz through to Salsa and Latin American. I had never skated until that first day of my fresh meat course… now I love having wheels on my feet!
Don’t think, just do! You won’t regret it.
Who are your derby heroes?
Within BCR I have had a lot of support and encouragement from everyone, but skating wise I particularly admire Happy’s footwork. Nationally, I really admire Miss Crunchbull from Hellmilton Roller Ghouls and Lady Trample, Sugar Hit from Pirate City Rollers and Fia Fasi Oe? from K-Town. Globally, I love watching Smarty Pants and Scald Eagle skate.
How would you describe your derby playing style?
Messy! I am definitely still learning, but I have found that I am getting a taste for playing offensively, clearing a path for our jammer and squeezing people out of the way.
What is your pre-derby sports/skating background?
I have dabbled in everything from Ballet and Jazz through to Salsa and Latin American. I had never skated until that first day of my fresh meat course… now I love having wheels on my feet!
What tips would you share with skaters looking to improve their jamming/blocking skills?
Keep persevering, whichever position you play or aspire to play, just keep trying!
When you’re jamming, keep on fighting to get through the opposition and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your team.
Blockers – embrace your booty and work on your footwork every chance you get. On and off skates.
What are some of your greatest roller derby accomplishments on the track?
It always feels good when you hit a jammer out or down. I always feel happy with my work when I leave the track after a jam with a smile, feeling like I have done something useful.
Do you have any upcoming bouts that you’re really excited for and why?
There are lots of opportunities coming up for BCR’s two teams which are all exciting, but I think I’m most excited by the prospect of playing at the next Sur5al tournament.
How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
Roller Derby becomes a way of life and I think this is common for people who fall in love with the sport. Derby has given me a physical strength, but also a mental strength that flows through to the rest of my life. The lift I get from training and skating is a real boost – I remember going to band practise after a bootcamp weekend and I played and sung the best that I ever had.
Keep persevering, whichever position you play or aspire to play, just keep trying!
When you’re jamming, keep on fighting to get through the opposition and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your team.
Blockers – embrace your booty and work on your footwork every chance you get. On and off skates.
What are some of your greatest roller derby accomplishments on the track?
It always feels good when you hit a jammer out or down. I always feel happy with my work when I leave the track after a jam with a smile, feeling like I have done something useful.
Do you have any upcoming bouts that you’re really excited for and why?
There are lots of opportunities coming up for BCR’s two teams which are all exciting, but I think I’m most excited by the prospect of playing at the next Sur5al tournament.
How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
Roller Derby becomes a way of life and I think this is common for people who fall in love with the sport. Derby has given me a physical strength, but also a mental strength that flows through to the rest of my life. The lift I get from training and skating is a real boost – I remember going to band practise after a bootcamp weekend and I played and sung the best that I ever had.
Have you noticed any changes in yourself since starting?
I’ve got fitter,but the main change is the feeling of accomplishment I have at trying something new, sticking with it and getting better at it. Also the feeling of belonging to something bigger than myself. The derby community is incredible in NZ and I feel that I have found a little place to belong by being involved.
What is your day job? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby?
By day I work on the IT Helpdesk in Local Government. I’m not sure that it contributes very much to be honest. I also have a small business making cupcakes and have definitely had more orders and opportunities knowing a whole different group of people!
How do you find a balance between your derby life and your “real” life?
This is a tough one – As the incoming Chair of BCR it’s hard not to let derby completely swamp me. I avoid this by having dedicated breaks from facebook/mobile devices and do relaxing things like bake, paint and listen to music. I am also a bit of a clean freak so I clean the house as well.
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to?
Owen for giving me the push to take the first steps into derby and for his support through all my bumps, bruises, achievements and disappointments.
Dee, who has been there from day one, always with an encouraging word and smile together with
Skate, Rumble, Bruiser and my group of Roadies - always there with a hug and a reality check when I need it.
I’ve got fitter,but the main change is the feeling of accomplishment I have at trying something new, sticking with it and getting better at it. Also the feeling of belonging to something bigger than myself. The derby community is incredible in NZ and I feel that I have found a little place to belong by being involved.
What is your day job? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby?
By day I work on the IT Helpdesk in Local Government. I’m not sure that it contributes very much to be honest. I also have a small business making cupcakes and have definitely had more orders and opportunities knowing a whole different group of people!
How do you find a balance between your derby life and your “real” life?
This is a tough one – As the incoming Chair of BCR it’s hard not to let derby completely swamp me. I avoid this by having dedicated breaks from facebook/mobile devices and do relaxing things like bake, paint and listen to music. I am also a bit of a clean freak so I clean the house as well.
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to?
Owen for giving me the push to take the first steps into derby and for his support through all my bumps, bruises, achievements and disappointments.
Dee, who has been there from day one, always with an encouraging word and smile together with
Skate, Rumble, Bruiser and my group of Roadies - always there with a hug and a reality check when I need it.
