NICAS

The National Indoor Climbing Achievement Scheme (NICAS) is a UK wide scheme designed to promote climbing development and accredit individual achievement on artificial climbing structures. NICAS can be used as a starting point for people wishing to take up climbing and mountaineering.

At Rock and River the NICAS scheme is available to anyone aged 5 years and over. We deliver the scheme to schools, youth groups, scouts and guides and anyone who is interested in learning to climb. We have also integrated NICAS as an option for all participants in our Crag Rats Climbing Club.  

Aims of the Scheme

• To develop climbing movement skills and improve levels of ability
• To learn climbing rope-work and how to use equipment appropriately
• To develop risk assessment and risk management skills in the sport
• To work as a team, communicate with, and trust a climbing partner
• To provide a structure for development, motivation and improved performance
• 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 disciplines and challenges in climbing beyond the scheme

NICAS is a nationally recognised logbook scheme to enable young climbers to develop indoor climbing skills. You keep a record of your achievements and gain certificates as you progress through each level.

The scheme has five levels and you can join the scheme at any level appropriate to your existing skills.

1. Foundation climber – an entry level award aimed at novices, which recognises their ability to climb safely under supervision.
2. Top rope climber – aimed at promoting good practice in climbing and bouldering independently on an artificial wall.
3. Technical climber – a more advanced top roping and bouldering award that focuses on developing technique and movement skills.
4. Lead climber – concentrating on the skills required to both lead climb and lead belay proficiently.
5. Advanced climber – the top level award that focuses on improving performance, a deeper understanding of climbing systems and the wider world of climbing.

Currently Rock and River run the first two levels of the scheme. Upon registering you will receive a log book for levels 1 and 2. After achieving each level you will be awarded with a certificate from us on behalf of the Association of British Climbing Walls Training Trust.