Derby Name & #: Luludemon #44
Home League: Terminal City Rollergirls (Vancouver)
Team: Terminal City All Stars

[Ima BustYouUp: Q] How did you get involved in roller derby, and how long have you been playing?

[Luludemon: A]I started playing derby in 2006 after seeing the girls on morning television. I had recently moved to Vancouver and didn’t really have any friends.

I thought they looked like a bunch of fun, tough, athletic women that I would enjoy hanging out with. I had no idea what I was getting involved in!

[Ima BustYouUp: Q] Did you play any other sports before joining roller derby?

[Luludemon: A]I have never played any teams sports before, so derby was a whole new experience. I snowboard in the winter and used to rollerblade in the summer (yup I was a fruit booter!). I SUCK at anything that involves balls, seriously my hand eye coordination is pathetic.

[Pictured right: Luludemon reaches out for a whip. Photo courtesy of Derby Spotlight staff]

[Ima BustYouUp: Q] What position do you play? and why do you love this position?

[Luludemon: A] Jammer Jammer Jammer!! I love the single minded determination of jamming, the speed, jumping through holes, getting knocked down and bouncing back again. Oh and I am slightly competitive so I love beating the opposing jammer.

[Ima BustYouUp: Q] What is the worst injury you've gotten? given?

[Luludemon: A] I don’t think I have ever given anyone an injury – at least I hope not! And I have been pretty lucky so far with injuries (touch wood). I have had whiplash multiple times, and that really sucks when you can’t turn your head for a week.

[Pictured left: Luludemon and 8Mean Wheeler discuss some game strategy before a jam. Photo courtesy of Derby Spotlight staff]

[Ima BustYouUp: Q] What has derby taught you? Do you apply any of this to your daily life?

[Luludemon: A] Woah, derby has taught me SO much! My life before derby was so different. I changed jobs, boyfriends, apartments, clothes as a result of derby. All for the better I think! Derby has taught me to be strong, trust my instincts, support those around me and be happy with who I am. All things I try to apply to life and business.

[Ima BustYouUp: Q] What, in your opinion are the best, most challenging aspects of roller derby?

[Luludemon: A] I love that derby is full contact – I think that is very empowering for a female sport. The strategy involved in derby is incredible! It’s a highly athletic sport but you also need to be thinking all the time and things change constantly. It’s a total body brain workout!

[Ima BustYouUp: Q] As everyone knows you started your own business, Pivotstar Designs in the last year, how is this going, what can we look forward to seeing in the next year?

[Luludemon: A] Pivotstar is doing really well. The support from the derby community has been amazing. I now have my clothing in 10 stores across Canada, US and Hawaii! Next year is going to be a lot of fun, look for more colour choices and kick ass designs by the talented graphic designer Chica Bomb.

I know that you are also now a certified coach, this must be exciting for you! Where do you think that this will take you? Can we look forward to some Luludemon inspired bootcamps in the future?

I am super excited to do more coaching next year. I have signed up with Blood and Thunder and am hoping to do a lot of traveling with them, including Texas in February. Luludemon inspired bootcamps? Now that’s a great idea!

[Ima BustYouUp: Q] With this recent explosion of derby everywhere, where do you see this sport in the next five years?

[Luludemon: A] I see it continuing to grow all over the world. I see leagues working together to lobby for better facilities. Most excitingly I see the growth of junior derby as being the next big thing. I think derby is a really empowering sport for young women and teaches them the value of teamwork, being athletic and having fun regardless of their size or style.

[Pictured left: Luludemon fights off Brime Stone and Betty Bomer of the CN Power pack. Photo courtesy of Derby Spotlight staff]

[Ima BustYouUp: Q] Any new and exciting things happening for your league, and travel team this year that derby fans need to know about?

[Luludemon: A] Lots of exciting things!! What I am most excited about is our All Star travel team. For the first time this year skaters are allowed to skate only for the All Star team (rather than having to skate for both house and All Star teams).

[Pictured right: Luludemon attempts to muscle her way past a Hammer City blocker. Photo courtesy of Derby Spotlight staff]

We will be skating and playing games all year round, compared to just in the off season and we will be having All Star games in Vancouver! We also just received our WFTDA apprentice status and we are working hard to get full status in time to go to Regionals next September. This has been a dream since we started this league and I am so proud that it is coming true.

[Ima BustYouUp: Q] Any advice for women out there thinking of joining roller derby?

[Luludemon: A] Do it! It’s a great workout, you meet some incredible people and get to do crazy things (like playing derby in the offices of CFOX). But leave the drama at the door! Bring an open mind and a willingness to work together and you can achieve great things.

[Pictured left: The New Skids on the Block blockers prepare to try and stop the quickly approaching Luludemon. Photo courtesy of Derby Spotlight staff]

[Ima BustYouUp: Q] Last but not least, who are some of your derby heroes?

[Luludemon: A] Suzy HotRod for bringing a whole other level of athleticism to the sport. Bonnie D Stroir for her teaching abilities. Goodie Two Skates for being hilarious and always supporting our league. Sadistic Sadie for her incredible jamming workshops in RollerCon. And Urk’n Jerk’n for kicking some serious ass at Championships this year.

[Ima BustYouUp: Closing] I just want to thank the fabulous Luludemon for taking time out of her extremely busy schedule to do this interview with me, and also for all the help she has given to the River Town Rollergirls in the past year!

We are all very grateful. You are my derby hero!!!! Hugs and Bruises from Ima BustYouUp

[Pictured right: Jammer versus jammer, Carla Coma of Hammer city battles Luludemon for lead status. Photo courtesy of Derby Spotlight staff]