Roller derby is gaining speed in Western North Carolina, with one league looking for its start and one looking for more members.

The Smoky Mountain Roller Girls, a roller derby league in Bryson City, will be having regular practices in the Stecoah Gym on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center.

Further east, JoLynn Bryant, along with several other local moms, is looking to start another flat track roller derby league. The group is holding their first meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Smoky Mountain Sk8way in Waynesville.

The goal is 20 women so two teams of 10 can bout each other in practice.

Both groups are open to women 18 and up who are willing to try, with skill building opportunities for all levels.

The Roller Girls in Bryson City have extra skates and gear for those interested in trying and for more information, come to a practice (with or without skates and gear), join the group on Facebook, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

For more information about the Waynesville group, call 828.246.9124 or come to the information session on Oct. 28. For those unsure about skating, there are other opportunities including referees, coaches, bout production, photographer and general help.