Originating in the 1930s, roller derby returned in popularity during the 70s and 80s and has seen a resurgence within the past decade. This isn’t the derby of the disco-era and it’s not World Wrestling Entertainment meeting sex on wheels. Okay, it’s not necessarily family-friendly but a PG-13 rated sport with campy humor mixed with punk, rock, jock and skill. Most roller derby these days are played on a flat track although some leagues prefer the thrill of a banked track (like that of the 70s and 80s).

Roller derby will certainly gain a boost in more popularity later this year with Drew Barrymore makes her feature directorial debut with the film “Whip It!” based on the book “Derby Girl” by Shauna Cross. Actress Ellen Page of “Juno” fame plays the lead role in the flick based in a small Texas town. In an effort to avoid beauty pageant life, she joins a roller derby team and finds her passion and true self.

If a roller derby league isn’t near you, checkout a bout during your next vacation. Some of our favorite vacation cities, Virginia Beach, Orlando, and Las Vegas, have roller derby leagues:
Dominion Derby Girls – Hampton Roads/Virginia Beach, Virginia
Sintral Florida Derby – Central Florida/Orlando
Sin City Rollergirls - Las Vegas