Why I'm going to ECDX 2012, and why you should too!

Ok, if you have been in the derby world for more than fifteen minutes, you probably know about ECDX, or the East Coast Derby Extravaganza the Philly Roller Girls put on each year. If you don't, please read all about it here.  Every year, amazing things happen at ECDX, and this year I've decided to attend as an individual skater for the reasons below. 

1.  You will get to see amazing derby.  Not everyone can make it to Regionals or Nationals because of the time of year those two events take place, but since ECDX takes place during the summer months, people tend to be able to take vacation time and attend.  It is so great to know that you can walk from one rink to another and see Gotham, Philly, Charm City, Boston, or any other teams you've been dying to see play.  Of course, if you have a derby crush on any "famous" skaters, this is where you might be able to catch a glimpse of them.  Be cool ladies, be cool.

2.  You might get to see teams you wouldn't normally have access to.  When I went to ECDX in 2010, I was so lucky to be able to see Rose City play my league, CRG.  Because Rose City is on the other side of the country, the chances of me seeing them play live are pretty low.  You never know which teams will show up for ECDX!

3.  You will see some new strategy the teams are working on before Regionals.  ECDX is where a lot of teams will try out some new bit of "rules interpretation" and let's face it, don't we all want to know what the latest greatest thing is going to be?  Also, you might get to see a bout where they are trying new and different rules.  Last year, they ran a bout where they had abolished the minor infractions, and I really really wish I had been there to see that one.

4.  Challenge bouts are fun and you can increase your derby network by playing in them.  I had the honor of playing four challenge bouts my first year, and I had a great time!  When I played with the Glamazons, I had the opportunity to play with Swede Hurt from Gotham, Rock Nasty and some players from the Wind Hitty!  How exciting is that!

I was gaga over who I got to skate with!

I got to skate with Cape Fear too!

And the Bootleggers!

5.  It's a lot cheaper than Rollercon.  I'm not knocking Rollercon; I had the honor of attending that last year, but since I live on the east coast, it's a lot easier and cheaper for me to drive to Philly and I can bring food in my car, as opposed to buying airplane tickets and packing my life into two suitcases.  Now remember, ECDX is about the teams competing; you will not have the option of going to classes or workshops, but I really think watching the derby is worth it.

So, if you are on the fence about attending, please rethink it and join in!  Get on the ECDX Yahoo groups and sign up for those challenge bouts!  Yes, I hate Yahoo groups too, but for this, I bow to their use.