Pride season play time

The Rainbow Spinnakers in action on a recent sailing expedition. Its members have activities planned every weekend throughout summer. (Photo by Kevin Majoros)

Pride month is upon us and the D.C. sports clubs are all in full summer swing. Following are some highlights of activities for the coming weeks.

June is a great month for sailing in the Delmarva area. The Rainbow Spinnakers head out every weekend and some weeknights. You can learn to skipper or just relax as a passenger. For more info, visit rainbowspinnakers.org.

The Lambda Divers have two scuba diving trips lined up for fall. Join them in Grand Cayman or Cozumel for either the whole week or just the weekend. You can meet the divers every third Sunday at Nellie’s Sports Bar between 5-7 p.m. for happy hour. The next happy hour is June 19. They can also be found at lambdadivers.org.

The District of Columbia Aquatics Club is hosting the 20^th annual Swim for Life event on June 25 at Rolph’s Wharf on the Chester River. There will be 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-mile swims contested that day. Proceeds from Swim for Life support a number of small local organizations assisting individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as the Chester River Association, which advocates for the health of the Chester River. Visit swimdcac.org for details. On a side note, the swimmers will be heading to Honolulu, Hawaii from July 6-10 for the International Gay & Lesbian Aquatics Championships. Good luck swimmers.

The D.C. Gay Flag Football League is currently between seasons but members are keeping in shape by cross training in Ping Pong. The fourth Thursday of each month this summer they will be paddling away at Nellie’s Sports Bar at 7:30 p.m. Entry fees are $15 for singles and $25 for doubles.  The next paddling is June 23. Contact Master JJ at jj@emersonglenn.com as spots will fill up.

The Lambda Links Golf Club is hosting its second tournament of the season on June 11 at the University of Maryland golf course. Members have room for 40 golfers and tee times start at noon. Cost of the event is $80 which includes green fees, prizes, range balls, gift and cart.  Contact Matt at lambdalinks@yahoo.com.

The Adventuring outdoors group is hosting another ride in its series of Arlington Evening Bike Rides on June 14.  Using bike trails and bicycle friendly residential streets, the ride is a 19-mile loop and will visit the swanky Lake Barcroft neighborhood in Fairfax County. At the end of the ride an optional social dinner will be held at Rocklands Barbeque. The group will meet at the Clarendon Metro station elevator entrance (Wilson Blvd. and Highland St.) and the ride will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Bring a helmet, water and the $2 trip fee. Contact Lee at vabikelegs@yahoo.com.

Not convinced all these summer sports are for you?  The D.C. IceBreakers will skate on Wednesday at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Cool off on the ice with the skaters starting at 8:15 p.m., then join them for a social after the skate. Details are at dcicebreakers.com.

On Sunday, head over to the sports row at Capital Pride where you can mingle with the athletes from the various LGBT sports clubs. During the course of the day, different teams will be tending bar in the beer gardens at the west end of the festival. Join them as they do their best to coax a tip from your wallet to benefit their team. Happy Pride!