By Grace Ann Brew
We’ve all fallen into the Netflix trap. 15 …14 …13 …The clock ticks as the play button lures your cursor in like a siren call. What started out as a 45-minute break turns into a sleepless night of watching the entire third season of “Orange is the New Black.”
While we all love catching up on the latest prison drama, it’s time to break the endless cycle of lethargy and make your summer one to remember. Press “pause” on your computer screens and “play” on your life to speed, shoot and soar your way through July and August with these local extreme sporting events.
Zip and glow in the dark
Put on your brightest whites and throw away your fear of heights for this nighttime event of family fun. Start the month of August with an adrenaline rush at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center’s Zip & Glow in the Dark zip line event. Harpers Ferry will light up their zip line course with black light, and participants will douse themselves in glow paint and accessories, turning the course into a glittering glowing landscape. Paint and accessories will be provided, but riders may also bring their own. Preregistration is required and available online or by phone, and participants must be at least 70 pounds. / Aug. 1, 8-11 p.m.; 37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville; $74-$79
Battle in a bouldering competition
Ascend to new heights at Sportrock Climbing Center’s 10th annual Beat the Heat climbing competition. While climbers of all ages and experience levels compete for prizes, Sportrock will provide free food, vendors, live music and raffle giveaways. Preregistration is recommended and is available online or in person. The event is open to all ages, but only those 6 and older can compete. / Aug. 8, 2-10 p.m.; 5308 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria; free for members, $15 for nonmembers
Train with BMX pro Carley Young
Whether you’re a national BMX champion or a first-time rider, USA BMX invites you to join professional biker Carley Young for private and group clinics. While participants ages 2 and older perfect their technique as they zoom and fly over the track, Young will provide an information session for parents of new riders teaching them the how-tos of training and purchasing equipment. Riders must wear long pants and shirt, and bikes and helmets will be provided. Preregistration is required. / Aug. 10-13; 7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge; price TBA
Compete in a paintball tournament
Venture over to Hogback Mountain Paintball to put your aiming, diving and team-building skills to the test. This all-day paintball tournament gives seasoned shooters ages 10 and older the chance to prove their talents and newbies the opportunity to learn a new sport. Gather up a group of five to seven friends or family members to compete on the mountain and jungle courses. Preregistration is required and available online or in person. / Aug. 16; 20267 Hogback Mountain Road, Leesburg; $150 per team
Drift on a drag race slalom course
Local Motor’s Mobifactory in Crystal City gives daring drivers ages 13 and older the chance to test their drift trike skills on their drag race slalom course. Riders will receive a lesson in operating the Verrados, electric-powered drifting tricycles, so no experience is necessary. Don’t forget to check out the Rally Fighter, Local Motor’s off-road prerunner on display. Pants and closed-toe shoes are required. / Thursdays through Aug. 27, 1-5 p.m.; 1900 Crystal Drive, Arlington; Free
