NICAS 

The Nest is a fully accredited NICAS centre (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme), providing levels 1-3 of the bouldering national curriculum. Logbooks help keep track of progress, and key learning objectives across 5 separate levels help develop all facets of climbing ability. 

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Why NICAS?

 

• Develop climbing movement skills and improve levels of ability

• Develop risk assessment and risk management skills in the sport

• Work as a team, communicate with, and trust other boulderers

• Provide a structure for development, motivation and improved performance

• Develop an understanding of the sport, its history and ethics

• Provide a record of personal achievement

• Point the way to further disciplines and challenges in climbing beyond the scheme.

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NICAS  Levels & Progression

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NICAS (Bouldering) has five progressive levels of award for complete novice to expert climbers. The scheme is spilt into two parts and takes a minimum of 80 hours to complete levels 1-4 and an additional year to complete Level 5. Part one contains Levels 1 to 3 and part two contains Levels 4 and 5.

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1. New Boulderer
An entry level award for candidates who wish to learn what bouldering is as a physical activity and how to use a bouldering wall safely.

2. Foundation Boulderer
Aimed at helping the candidate to understand how a bouldering wall works, and basic preparation and control while bouldering, with an introduction to equipment and movement skills.

3. Competent Boulderer
Corresponding to most bouldering–only centres’ “membership” standards. This is aimed at ensuring a candidate possesses the knowledge and skill to boulder safely at any bouldering facility and operate in a responsible manner.

 

Level 3 can take climbers some time to complete with a wide array of skills and techniques to learn before moving up to the higher levels.

Levels 4 and 5 - Skilled/Performance Boulderer

The top two levels focus on improving performance, with advanced skills and knowledge of training and bouldering as well as experience of local and national competitions.

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