Krisana Barrett
Chaya Derby Pro Team
Name: Krisana Barrett
NickName: Brix Barrett
Country: USA
Current Location: Denver, Colorado
Loving to skate since: 2010
Riding for Chaya/PS since: 2017
Current Skate Setup: Eclipse Boot, Shiva plates, Juice Wheels, Wicked Bearings
Why do you love to skate? Man, this is a question with many answers. Skating itself gives me a sense of freedom but also continues to challenge me every time I lace up. Skating derby through... that’s a whole new level of love. The community derby has provided me has been life-changing. It’s a family. I have sisters and brothers all over the world that was introduced to me through this sport and I could be more grateful for that! To call it a sport, however, does it injustice. Derby is a lifestyle, a lifestyle I love.
What keeps you pushing forward in skating? Answering this question while we are faced with the separation the pandemic has forced upon us is very different than it would be under normal circumstances. Right now the thing that pushes me the most is that I want to be ready when we can start training and playing again. I miss playing derby so much and all I want is to be back on the track with my team, so that is my biggest inspiration to keep my wheels under me. I’ve been hitting the skate park with some teammates throughout these covid times and those teammates and friends push me to continue to send it and try new things every time we hit the bowls. When we are geared up, working on new things, it helps me clear my mind and forget the world for a few short minutes and just focus on the skills I’m working on. It also just allows me to enjoy my time with the people in my support system bubble.
What was your greatest success? Oh jeez- I think playing derby for 10 years and still loving it is a pretty big success.
What is your favorite competition? My favorite competitions are of course Playoffs and Champs every year. It’s what we work for all season and it’s the culmination of all the physical, mental, and even emotional training we do all season. Obviously, we always want to win and that's what we prep for, but it’s also just the most wonderful time of the year cause you get to play and watch the best of the best of the best in the sport. There’s nothing better.
What is your favorite move/trick? My favorite move isn’t really a single move. I love it when I can get a successful multi-hit offensive thread with my jammer. Even if it’s sloppy, that kind of momentary success is priceless.
What advice would you like to give? If you aren't falling, you aren't trying!
Any hobbies outside of skating? I have so many Hobbies! I'm wildly outdoorsy and I love hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, foraging, paddle boarding and pretty much-doing anything where I can bring my dog Cricket along. I am also an Herbalist and training to be a Holistic Nutrition Therapist, so health and wellness are a big part of my life as well. I love making medicine from plants and geeking about wild plants and my gardens.
What is your favorite moment in skating? My favorite moments have to be when I've/we've been working a skill, or drill over and over and over in practice, and then actually applying it in a game. Especially when it comes because of muscle memory. That "I did the thing!" moment is the best!
Tell us about your personal philosophy, phrase, ethic, and/or value as a skater! Yes you can write a book…? The thing I love about skating is that there is always something new to learn, so I guess I would say that my philosophy is to never settle. Keep pushing to better your skills, strategy, creativity, and physical abilities.
