Long ago, at the Rock Face, we developed the Rock Monkeys logbook scheme to enable young climbers to work through climbing skills, keep a record of their achievements and gain certificates as they progressed through each level.
This was hugely successful and many young climbers went through the scheme. Their new skills and knowledge encouraged them to make healthy life choices, many went on to pursue a career in outdoor activities and some even become world-class climbers!
Many other walls throughout the country developed similar schemes and over the last few years, members of the Association of British Climbing Centres (ABC) in conjunction with the BMC and UKMTB began to bring all the schemes together into one, nationally recognised and accredited scheme - The National Indoor Climbing Achievement Scheme (NICAS)
NICAS is a UK-wide scheme designed to promote climbing development and accredit individual achievement on artificial climbing structures. It can be used as a starting point for people wishing to take up climbing and mountaineering. It is open to all candidates aged 7 and upwards.
This scheme has five levels and participants can join the scheme at any level appropriate to their 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.
After being successfully piloted at selected walls in the UK, the scheme has now been nationally launched and we are proud to announce that Redpoint is the West Midlands Primary Centre for NICAS.
Everyone in our kids climbing group (which we still can't help calling Rock Monkeys!) will have the opportunity to join the scheme (though its not compulsory) and this will be the only logbook scheme that we will be running at Redpoint.
The cost of registration, logbooks and certificates will be -
LEVELS 1 & 2 combined £4.00
LEVELS 3, 4 and 5 combined £7.50
Schools, Scouts, Youth Clubs and D of E Award participants can all use NICAS to meet their needs and gain suitable accreditation.
NICAS is not just for kids, either! The scheme is just as suitable for adults wishing to develop their climbing skills. We also welcome anyone who had previously been on the old Rock Monkeys logbook scheme at the Rock Face, to get in touch and join the scheme at an appropriate level.
Lots more information and downloads are available on the NICAS website www.nicas.co.uk, or contact us Redpoint.