Interview with San Diego’s Bonnie D. Stroir- Tickets on sale now for March Radness Training Camp in LA!

Photo By Charlie Shutterthug Chu

Bonnie D. Stroir is an All-Star blocker, jammer, and the founder of the San Diego Derby Dolls, the nation's first hybrid banked and flat track roller derby league.  She will be leading classes at this year’s March Radness Camp.  We talked to Bonnie about the difference between banked and flat track, what it takes to become an All-Star, and why this year’s training camp is going to be awesome. 

You can train with Bonnie and other fantastic skaters from all over the country, as well as try out the banked track, from March 4-7 in LA.  More information and tickets are available here. 

Q:  How long have you been playing roller derby?  How did you first get involved?

BD:  I got started with L.A. Derby Dolls in October of 2003.  There was no roller derby in San Diego yet, so I had to commute for my ass kickings.

Q:  What’s the biggest difference between banked and flat track derby?

BD:  Banked track is much faster.  The average time it takes for a jammer to exit the pack and re-enter is 3 seconds faster on average in banked track.

That doesn't sound like much, but in an average 37 second jam, 3 seconds can make the difference between being prepared and getting smoked.  I think that's partly why flat track skaters have a hard time making the adjustment sometimes.

Q:  What do you think skaters can gain from learning to skate both?

BD:  Slowing things down on the flat ground is good for banked skaters, because it's a way crueler workout, endurance-wise, to have to push your own ass around the track for 2 whole minutes.

But as far as strategy goes, I consider banked track going from dial up to cable internet.  Teams have to click and react NOW, not after some time for careful consideration.  Learning to think fast like that should appeal to anyone who feels they've hit a plateau in their derby career.

Q:  What’s the most important thing for newer skaters to think about when learning the game?   What do you think vets can always get better at?

BD:  Everyone needs more agility, and more endurance.  You can never get enough of either; it's the difference between a first half team and a full time team.

Q:  What does it take to turn an average skater into an All-Star?

BD:  There's this point where you just sort of... click into gear.  You go from just going through the motions at practice to actively making things happen and understanding why.  I think it has to happen in a game.  There's a breakthrough game for everyone who becomes an All-Star, where afterwards you're like... "Yah, I freakin' get it now!"

I think that's something that happens within; you can't really teach it.  It's like hitting your stride, self confidence-wise.

Q:  Why is March Radness camp in LA a derby event that’s not to be missed?

BD:  Any time there's a training camp, you wanna be there, especially if you have a chance to learn from people like Jawbreaker, and Bonnie Thunders.  Camps are so fun; you're completely immersed in your thing, with your people.

Not only that, anyone who hasn't had the chance to scrimmage on a banked track yet should take every advantage of the opportunity!

Q:  What’s the worst injury you’ve sustained?  How about the worst injury you’ve given?

BD:  I don't like to think too much about (manifest) injuries.  But I've had my share of sprained and separated things, but you know, that's just part of sports.  You heal and move on.  Hopefully a little smarter!

Q:  Answer honestly: which is better, flat track or banked?

BD:  I've always tried to acknowledge the importance of everyone's derby. I'll always go where the competition is, too.  But let me just say, if I could give the whole world a banked track, I surely would!