The best tips and tricks you need to follow to build the ultimate slip and slide.
If your reading this post it’s probably because you got that spontaneous feeling inside which is making you want to do something fun and exciting. I know because this is exactly how I felt before I decided to build a 100 ft slip and slide at my local beach. If you’re wondering what the best way to build your slip and slide is, then look no further. Below I have compiled the best tips, tricks and advice on how to build the ultimate slip and slide.
Best material for slip and slide
First thing you need to consider when building a slip and slide is what material your going to use to give the most slip and ultimately most speed. A most common material that people use is tarpauling, also known as Tarp, but this is a big No No when picking your slide material. Although tarp can become extremely slippy when wet, the material itself is extremely coarse which can become very uncomfortable when sliding down it.
The best material I found which worked perfectly is damp proof membrane. This material is a lot smoother than tarp and generally a lot stronger. You can get 50ft rolls of the material at your local building merchants or DIY store. This material is a lot cheaper then tarp, which means you get more buck for your slide. Below is a 6 metre by 4 metre roll that can be purchased on Amazon.
Best liquid for slip and slide
There are three things that need to be considered when buying the slippy stuff; Price, skin irritation and the environment.
Every day washing detergent that is used for washing dishes is unbelievably slippy when mixed with water over damp proof membrane. You are going to want to buy a few bottles of this depending on the size of your slide. I bought around ten bottles for a 100 ft slide, so by mindful of the price.
Slip and slides are built for the outdoors so not polluting your local area with harmful washing detergent is paramount. Fortunately there is plenty of eco friendly washing detergent out there that have no impact on the environment and are also reasonably priced. I have attached the detergent I recommend below from Amazon. This particular solution is recommended for sensitive skin. Click the link below to be taken to this product.
Slip and slide location
Now you got your materials all sorted the next thing you need to think about is your location. If you have managed to get you slide to slipping perfection then a small decline or even flat ground will work, so don’t worry if you can’t find a steep hill! However gravity creates speed so some angle on your slide can make for a more thrilling experience.
Being able to provide a water source to the top of your slide is important. Lifting buckets from a near by tap may solve this but be sure you got Mrs muscles with you to help carry the water. If you have a hose that runs fresh water from the top then be sure to give me an invite, as that’s the making of an epic slide.
Slip and slide at the beach
I built my slip and slide at the beach which had many pros and cons. The beach had a large sand dune that was perfect for sliding down and when the tide was high enough the slide ran straight into the sea which was perfect for a crash landing. Not to mention the unlimited source of water that comes with the big wide ocean. However sand becomes abrasive especially on bare skin. So sliding on an inflatable would be preferable. The other downside with a beach slide is that when it’s time to pack it away it becomes extremely heavy with all that sand and water over it. My slide became so heavy that I ended up having to cut it into pieces to roll it up and carry it.
What do you put at the end of your slip and slide
You got the material, liquid and now location to build the ultimate slide, but how do you stop? You will generally come to a natural stop if you’re slide starts to level out at the bottom, however if your planning on gaining some serious speed you might want to consider a stopper. A stopper is anything with a bit of cushion to it that you crash into. I have seen these come in many forms including hail bails with old pillows in the front and paddling pools with a little kicker to launch you into the water.
Things to consider before any slide
DON’T BE LIKE THIS GUY
The slippy fun can shortly turn into a painful experience with eyes full of soap and skin scratched from debris on your slide. The best way to counteract this is by lifting your face higher from the slide by sliding on an inflatable, this will also prevent your skin from getting scratched. If you have no inflatables simply find yourself a pair of goggles and put a t-shirt on. If you have none of the above be prepared to be a little bumped and scratched by the end of your session.
After reading this post, I hope you feel more equipped to build your very own slip and slide. Like always here at feel alive outside we love to hear your feedback so please do drop a line below. Happy slidding!
