The National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS) is a national scheme designed to introduce young people from age 8 to indoor climbing. There are five levels of increasingly technical skills and development which young people can work through.
Wild Climber
NICAS Wild Climbers offers climbing skills for all, from age 3 and upwards. It's a fun, game orientated programme which aims to introduce climbers safely into the indoor climbing environment, developing their awareness of climbing movements, improving confidence and creating a grassroots pathway into additional climbing activities. Wild Climbers is a programme that is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all.
The course runs termly usually for 6 or 7 weeks.
You will need to purchase a NICAS wild climbers logbook at a cost of £15.00
Level 1 New Climber
An entry level aimed at novices that recognises their ability to climb safely under supervision.
The course runs termly usually for 6 or 7 weeks. The cost includes hire of all necessary equipment including helmet, harness, climbing shoes, and course registration.
You will need to purchase a NICAS Log book which is valid for levels one through to three at a cost of £7.50
Level 2 Foundation Climber
Aimed at promoting good practice in climbing and bouldering unsupervised on an artificial wall.
Although the course runs termly in 6 or 7 week blocks, participants progress at their own pace and may need more than one term to complete their level 2 award. The cost includes hire of all equipment including helmet, harness, and climbing shoes.
Level 3 Technical Climber
A more advanced top-roping and bouldering award that focuses on developing technique and movement skills. This is aimed at ensuring a candidate possesses the knowledge and skill to climb and belay safely at any climbing facility (whether or not under supervision or with back-up) and operate in a responsible manner.
Our NICAS program runs continuously in blocks or terms ranging from 5 to 7 weeks. It is important to note everyone will progress at their own pace and it is very likely to take more than one term to complete the level 3 award.
Level 4 Preparation
Prepares Level 3 climbers with the experience to progress to being a lead climber.
This course is for those who have completed level three and want to progress to being a lead climber. The course will focus on technical skills and consolidating the skills and knowledge covered over levels 1 to 3.
Level 4 Lead Climber
Concentrating on the skills required to lead climb proficiently. Aimed at developing a self-motivated climber who has a wide range of skills and has reached a high level of competence, with a desire to progress by identifying and setting goals.
Our NICAS program runs continuously in blocks or terms ranging from 5 to 7 week. It is important to note everyone will progress at their own pace and it is very likely to take more than one term to complete the level 4 award.
