National Indoor Climbing Award Schemes (NICAS)
National Indoor Climbing Award Schemes (NICAS) are an introduction to climbing and provide a gateway to learning more and developing a love for the sport. The key aim is to provide a safe and fun foundation for a lifetime of positive climbing experiences. The nationally-recognised schemes help to standardise the teaching and coaching of climbing in a structured manner. There are approx. 270 centres that run NICAS schemes, which collectively have introduced over 200,000 young people to climbing.
NICAS Schemes
NICAS offers a diverse range of award schemes: NICAS Wild Climbers, NICAS Clip, NICAS Bouldering and their original scheme for roped climbing, NICAS Climbing.
NICAS Wild Climbers
NICAS Wild Climbers offers climbing skills for all, from age 3 and upwards. It’s a fun, game-orientated programme that 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.
NICAS Bouldering
NICAS Bouldering is a UK-wide scheme designed to introduce participants to bouldering through a structured programme. This scheme covers techniques, movement skills, and problem-solving skills specific to bouldering. This scheme is suitable for individuals aged 7+, whether you’re an absolute beginner or a more experienced climber looking to improve your bouldering skills.
NICAS Climbing
NICAS Climbing is a UK-wide scheme designed to introduce participants to roped climbing through a structured programme. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your climbing skills, NICAS provides a safe and enjoyable pathway.
It aims to develop climbing skills in a safe and structured environment, covering both indoor roped climbing as well as bouldering, providing participants with a solid foundation in climbing techniques, safety awareness, and personal progression.
NICAS Clip
NICAS Clip aims to introduce new climbers, including young children, safely into the indoor climbing environment, develop their awareness of climbing movements, improve confidence, and create a pathway to additional climbing activities. It focuses on the safe use of auto belay facilities, fun experiences within climbing through gamification of sport, and the movement skills that underpin climbing techniques.
NICAS Ascend
NICAS Ascend is a new climbing award scheme designed for – and tested with – disabled and neurodivergent climbers. Developed by Sarah Jones, a climbing coach with a background in disability sport and teaching, and inspired by her brother Zac, it provides a groundbreaking framework that enables young people with disabilities or complex needs not only to take part in climbing sessions but also to work towards and be recognised for their achievements.
In partnership with disability and inclusion specialists Access Sport, NICAS Ascend is being launched nationwide so more people can benefit. NICAS are working together with Access Sport to provide essential training, resources and support to community sports clubs, climbing centres and coaches, empowering them to deliver inclusive programmes that transform the lives of underserved young people.
Join and support the BMC today
Join the BMC today and be a part of an 80,000 strong community of passionate individuals who are working to protect the places we love for future generations.