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General Climbing Discussion

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More friction in the cold? 20-Jan-2005 At 6:34:43 PM cheesehead

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I mostly hear of the cold-friction thing in damp places (like England, Vancouver Island), so I reckon humidity must be affected similar to sweat. It varies greatly depending on the rock too. In England, no one tried hard grit problems in summer. They're best when there's snow on the ground. Alternatively, people rarely bother with peak-district limestone in winter. The friction doesn't work the same (nor matter as much on limestone), so they sack it off until the grit's no good, and it's more pleasant.
Apparently there's an optimum rock temperature too. I don't know why (or if I believe it), but when it gets too cold, the friction reduces again.
I guess that's why different shoes are popular in different places? Not to mention the different import duties...

And I though hot aches was the realm of alpine and ice climbing!! (Happends EVERY winter bouldering session. Sack off the idea of fidddling nuts in in this weather)