The National Indoor Climbing Achievement Scheme (www.nicas.co.uk) is a UK wide scheme designed to introduce new and young climbers to climbing on artificial climbing walls. The awards focus on skill development and safety and require the gaining of logged experience for completion. They are open to climbers of all ages and abilities though the higher levels also include a performance element to promote personal development.  On accomplishing an award you receive a certificate.

 Aims of the scheme:

• to develop climbing skills and improve levels of ability
• to learn climbing rope-work and how to use equipment safely
• to develop risk assessment and management skills in the sport
• to work as a team, communicate with, and trust a climbing partner
• to develop an understanding of the sport, it’s history and future challenges
• to provide a record of personal achievement
• to point the way to further challenges in climbing beyond the scheme

The awards aim to accredit achievement in climbing and to provide a structure for learning best practice in the sport in a series of five awards of increasing technical skill.

1. Foundation Climber – an entry level aimed at novices that recognises their ability to climb safely under supervision

2. Top Rope Climber –aimed at promoting good practice in climbing and bouldering unsupervised on an artificial wall

3. Technical Climber – a more advanced top roping and bouldering level that focuses on developing technique and movement skills

4. Lead Climber - concentrates on the skills required to both lead climb and belay a lead climber

5. Advanced Climber – the top level that focuses on improving performance, a deeper understanding of climbing systems and the wider world of climbing

If you are interested in using the scheme for yourself or your group contact Daryl at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Bookings on 0113 2341554 / 2442314.