Jim that was a great post. As a novice how do I tell the difference between 3 and 4. I mean how do I tell whether or not if I start sliding I will accellerate or just kind keep sliding more or less harmlessly. Is there a way to test things near the bottom, or for all practical purposes do I need to rely on my inexperienced judgement?

p.s. Re-reading the post I think I get it now. Class 4 might be no more steep but might then drop off or at least keep going alot farther than I would like to slide. Thinking I get it now. Yeah lots of place like that along the coast here. Good thing I'm naturally scared shitless of edges. I should get some practice in at safe places though. I would like to see if I can take some sort of course on plain old scrambling.