NICAS 1

NICAS Level 1 – New Climber

An entry‑level climbing course for ages 8+, designed for beginners. This programme introduces young climbers to the fundamentals of climbing safely under supervision and builds confidence on the wall.

Course Structure

90 minute sessions over 5 to 6 week terms, or 3 hour sessions delivered over 3 weeks. 

Includes all equipment hire

Students will need to purchase a NICAS logbook at the start of their first term — this follows them through Levels 1 to 3

How many terms will it take to pass?

Progression varies for each climber, and passing is based solely on meeting the required assessment criteria rather than a set timeframe.

Do I need to buy special equipment?

No. All required climbing equipment is provided. We recommend waiting to purchase personal equipment until students have developed a good understanding of what they need — this is covered as they progress through the syllabus.

What happens if I miss a session?

Missed sessions are non‑refundable. To qualify for a make-up class, you must notify us of your regular class absence at least 2 weeks before the scheduled session. Failure to provide prior notice will result in the forfeiture of that class. Any make us classes are subject to availability.

Does my child have to start at Level 1?

Yes — we strongly advise all participants to begin at Level 1. This level introduces our Gold Standards, which are the essential safety and technique foundations required for all roped climbing. Even if a child is already confident with bouldering or auto‑belays, roped climbing involves different skills and responsibilities, and Level 1 covers far more than just climbing.

Children with previous rope climbing experience may be assessed before the course to determine whether they can progress directly to a higher level. To skip Level 1, they must already demonstrate competence in all Level 1 syllabus content.