Join DMRD
Des Moines Roller Derby is a small but mighty team, and we’re eager to keep growing.
Our next bootcamp will begin on January 15, 2026. This 12-week program will teach you basic skating skills, how to stop and how to fall safely, and eventually how to hit – and take hits – in roller derby gameplay. By the end of bootcamp, you’ll be ready to join league practice and start playing some roller derby!
Bootcamp 2026: What to know
Schedule: Bootcamp will take place on Thursday nights from 8pm - 10pm, starting on January 15, 2026. We have a lot of material to cover, so please plan to attend every week. The final bootcamp session will take place on April 9, 2026.
Cost: The 12-week bootcamp will cost $75.
Gear required: Bootcamp participants must purchase a full set of roller derby gear in order to participate. For more information on what gear you need, keep scrolling or contact recruitment@desmoinesrollerderby.com.
Who can play for DMRD?
We are an all-gender adult roller derby league. That means anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to skate with us!
When does DMRD practice?
Des Moines Roller Derby has two league practices per week, and at least one scrimmage per month.
Charter Practice, focused on advanced skating skills and roller derby gameplay, is on Mondays from 6 PM to 9 PM. All DMRD league members are welcome to attend this practice, but drills will be tailored to our competitive roster.
League Practice, which focuses on individual skating skills and mixed-level contact, is on Wednesdays from 6 PM to 8 PM. Most drills will accommodate all skill levels.
We hold a monthly scrimmage during the last Charter Practice of each month.
We practice and scrimmage at Franklin Junior High in Des Moines.
DMRD League members are expected to regularly attend our practices, scrimmages and league meetings. Our schedule is subject to change as our league grows.
What gear do I need to play roller derby?
Roller derby is a full-contact sport, so we need a full set of pads to keep us safe! DMRD skaters are required to wear the following gear at all times during practice:
A helmet. We recommend S1 helmets. Your brain is very important, and it’s worth the investment to keep it protected!
A mouthguard. The SISU Aero is a team favorite — it’s thin and easy to talk around.
Elbow pads. 187 Killer Pads are a derby classic, but any brand with significant padding is great. Check out Derby Warehouse for pads, including sets of elbow, wrist and knee pads.
Wrist guards. Check out Derby Warehouse.
Knee pads. We highly recommend buying good knee pads early in your skating career. We fall on our knees all the time, especially when learning new skills! 187 Killer Pads and Triple 8 are two great options.
Quad skates. Those are the ones with two front wheels and two back wheels, with a toestop in the front. Some good entry-level skates are Riedell Darts and Riedell R3s. Derby skates are almost always flat, without a heel on the back.
If you want to try on skates in-person, there may be some limited stock at Skate South or Skateland. Online retailers will provide measurements to determine which size to buy.
It’s better to buy a skate slightly too small than one that is slightly too big. A snug fit is important for playing roller derby.
DMRD league members are expected to purchase their own set of gear. You may be able to find second-hand options on Facebook Marketplace, or on Facebook groups like Roller Derby Recyclables. Just make sure whatever you purchase will fulfill WFTDA gear requirements.
How much does roller derby cost?
In addition to the cost of gear, there are two recurring expenses required to maintain league membership.
Des Moines Roller Derby league members pay $45 in monthly dues. This membership fee allows us to rent practice and scrimmage space, and to host bouts and mixers.
DMRD is a part of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). Our skaters must purchase WFTDA insurance, which is an additional cost of $75 annually. We strongly recommend the purchase of a personal health insurance plan in addition to this coverage.
How do I join the team?
New skaters: No skating experience is necessary to join the league. Brand-new skaters, skaters with no derby experience, or former derby players returning from a lengthy hiatus are encouraged to sign up for our bootcamp. Sign up for our 2026 Bootcamp.
Transfer skaters: We welcome transfer skaters who have played for another WFTDA team within the last year, and who are in good standing with that team. Please email recruitment@desmoinesrollerderby.com to learn more about the league.
Drop Ins: If you’re a current member of a WFTDA league, you’re welcome to drop in on practice! Please email recruitment@desmoinesrollerderby.com to let us know you’re coming.
I’m somewhere in-between! No worries — there’s a place for everyone! Please email recruitment@desmoinesrollerderby.com so we can figure out the best path forward.