definition of a slide

[mrsmileyns]

This question may show my ignorance - but what is the formal definition of a slide? What exactly is slide climbing? I have done lots of on-trail hiking across the US as well as some top rope climbing with an experienced friend in the gunks. But I don't know what slide climbing really is. Based on the posts I have read I think I have a pretty good idea - but is there a formal definition? What is slide climbing vs rock climbing etc? I have looked all over the place and can't seem to find the clear idea I am looking for.

Again, sorry for my ignorance

Neil

[Snickers]

A slide is a slope with a 45-90 degree angle.

Slides in the Adirondacks are slopes where the trees, rocks, and vegetation have slid down the slope due to rain/erosion. The slide then has a lot of exposed rock, possible debris fields, some are very mossy and slippery in sections.

Here is a great article on slides, written by Phil Brown: http://www.adirondackexplorer.org/st...k-slide-guide/

Here is a link on the Yosemite Decimal System used for climbing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yosemite_Decimal_System

There are many good guide books written on Adirondack Slide Climbing. If you would like to get started in slide climbing I would purchase one of the guide books and read up on the subject first. Research some of the easier slides and find a friend to go along with you.

Enjoy and be safe!!

Cindy

[mrsmileyns]

thanks a lot - that helps

[sherbi]

Originally Posted by Snickers

There are many good guide books written on Adirondack Slide Climbing. If you would like to get started in slide climbing I would purchase one of the guide books and read up on the subject first. Research some of the easier slides and find a friend to go along with you.

Any specific suggestion ?

[Cory D]

Originally Posted by mrsmileyns

Again, sorry for my ignorance

Neil

Is it alright if I quote this and use it as my new signature line?

You won't understand why now but as you hang out and read here you'll get it. The mere fact that you asked this question and your name is, Neil, shows that if there is a divine force..he/she has a sense of humor.

[Dunbar]

A Pictoral Explanation

[TFR]

It seems that a slide could be a slide w/o being > 45 degrees. If we adopt that rule, a lot of ADK slides are busted...

[Neil]

Slides may be of much lesser inclination. I would put Bennies Brook at 25 degrees.

Slide climbing is friction climbing with some use of hands for balance and stability.

I accept your apology Neil.

[mrsmileyns]

i am ok with anyone using whatever they want from my posts as a signature after all, i am my own biggest joke

thanks again for the all the information and quick replies- i have to do something while i sit at my desk in my IT job wishing i was in the hills

i think i'm gonna like it here

[Snickers]

Originally Posted by sherbi

Any specific suggestion ?

A climber's guide to the Adirondacks;: Rock and slide climbs in the high peak region By: Trudy Healy

[Gregory Karl]

The concept has no doubt come across. But no one actually gave concise definitions. So: A slide is the track of a landslide. In the Adirondacks, because of the nature of the predominant rock, anorthosite, these are often bare, smooth and monolithic, as opposed to the perpetually sliding scree fields one gets with sedimentary rock (Dolomites, much of the Rockies). Steepness doesn't matter except, as Rik points out, at some degree of steepness, one is really talking about cliffs. Slide climbing is climbing the track of a landslide. When slides are new, one climbs mostly open rock; as they grow back in, they get less and less easy to distinguish from their surroundings.

[pete_hickey]

Originally Posted by Gregory Karl

.... When slides are new, one climbs mostly open rock; ...s.

A notable exception to this is the newer (most comonly climbed one) on Macomb. Unlike most areas in the Adirondacks where there is a thin soil base on rock, this had a thick layer of sand. 20+ years ago, much of the hike was on sand. It is now mostly rock.

[mudrat]

Originally Posted by TFR

It seems that a slide could be a slide w/o being > 45 degrees. If we adopt that rule, a lot of ADK slides are busted...

...especially since the typical slope is about 35 degrees (per d.mellor).