Rock hopping ...

Rock (boulder) hopping is fun.  It's a nice way to gain elevation.  I like the `watermelon-size' rocks.  Bigger ones are Okay ...

But there are some things to think about.  Smaller ones can move easily and quickly, and if you lose your balance or slide, or slide back ... you will quickly lose energy.  Bigger is better ... they tend to be more stable.  If they do move, they generally move slower, so you can get off them before they move too much.  Things to think about: always have enough momentum to be able to get off a rock and onto something else if it does move.  Don't get under rocks.

If you're carrying a pack - you need to be more deliberate.  You still need the energy or momentum - and coordination - to get off a rock or rocks that move.

Slides ...

Slides and loose ground can be fun going down ... you need to learn to get your weight on your heels.  Dig in to the extend needed to brake ... and when you slow down enough - that's when you take your next step.