This week was a full recap of everything we can expect in the test.

• t-stops
• plow stops – note to self : try to get better at this using soft pushers.
• one knee falls
• two knee falls
• 4-point falls
• jumps – they still scare the poop out of me everytime but I can do it 8 times out of 10.
• endurance and form – I think I either made 24.5 or 25.5 laps this time which is a pass..but my form does seems to suffer the more tired I get.

We also did some weaving again and some practise starts for jammers.

• toe stop starts -  starting on both stops, break into a run on the stops for a few strides then back onto your wheels. kinda fun but hard to get into position quickly.
• duck starts – feet point out, crouch and then pound your feet into the ground for take off. I would like to say this was my favourite just because of my recent obsession with ducks but I think I liked the toe stop starts better.

I think i’m ready for the test this time. In hindsight last time I really don’t think I was, mentally or physically. I could do most things but I wasn’t confident enough and it was more of a hit and miss on skills like plow stops and jumps.

But as much fun as bootcamp was this week it kinda didn’t match up to the experience of…

THE GREAT SOUTHERN SLAM

IT WAS AMAZING !! It was also my first time in Adelaide and for a major city it sure is small and sleepy. Everything was in walking distances and the locals couldn’t wait to say hello to you so badly they feel the need to scream out of car windows every 5 minutes, day or night.

The event was held at the show grounds taking up 2 pavilions with 4 tracks all on the go at the same time. It was pretty hard to decide which bouts to watch and which ones we would have to miss but obviously the Victorian teams took priority along with securing delicious merch. I spent way more money then I intended to but my derby tee collection just got an awesome boost.

It was great seeing skaters of various skill levels all jumping in and having a go. So many girls were having their first ever bout here which I think was awesome. If it had been me, I don’t think I would have made it out of the bathroom. It was alot of fun watching some of the girls I did boot camp with last time in their first challenge bouts. Seriously impressive stuff.

The amount of derby love was overwhelming, so many really cool people all together and enthusiastically talking about derby related topics, everyone was so positive and friendly, it was just the greatest atmosphere to be in.

It was so hard to watch the final against Sun State Roller Girls and the VRDL. The skill level of the players was amazing, so many strategies I have never actually seen in front of my face before. the best word I can use to sum the game up is INTENSE. It was so good to see the Victorian girls take it though, It was the perfect ending to and awesome trip…well besides the after party, but that’s another story..

If they run another great southern slam next year i’ll be there in a heartbeat whether I can skate or not.

I took some photos and videos that are linked to over on the left. but please be warned that the quality is not great due to an iphone being my medium. You may also want to turn the volume down on the videos as the screaming may just blow your mind..literally.

SO NEXT WEEK… white star test !!! *nerves*. fingers crossed it won’t end in tears or injury and there won’t be another emo blog post incoming…wish me luck :)