National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme
NICAS is a nationally-recognised developmental climbing scheme for ages 7+.
Designed to develop climbing skills and ability, as well as risk-management and teamwork. Participants proceed through the scheme at their own pace, starting from level 1.
The Five Levels
The NICAS scheme is divided into five progressive levels, each with its own set of skills and challenges:
- An entry level aimed at novices that recognises their ability to climb safely under supervision.
- Learning to tie a suitable climbing knot and fit a harness.
- Becoming confident ascending and descending walls.
- Aimed at promoting good practice in climbing and bouldering unsupervised on an artificial wall.
- Practising safe belaying.
- Understanding centre rules.
- Fitting 1 and 2 piece harnesses independently.
- A more advanced top-roping and bouldering award that focuses on developing technique and movement skills.
- 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.
- Achievement at this level is broadly equivalent to a pass at GCSE.
- 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.
- The top-level award that focuses on improving performance, a deeper understanding of climbing systems and the wider world of climbing, as well as experience of local and national competitions.
Scheme Info
- Session length: 90 minutes per week
- Term length: 12 weeks
- Cost: £200 per person per term
- Group size: Maximum 6 participants
Join the NICAS Scheme
Due to popular demand we are operating a wait-list to join NICAS — please complete the form below.