At Rope Race we have been running our Geckos award scheme for many years, allowing anyone under the age of 18 to work through a scheme and keep a record of their achievements.

NICAS is a UK scheme designed to promote climbing and accredit individual achievement on artificial climbing structures. 

It can be used as a starting point to climbing and mountaineering for anyone over the age of 7 years.

NATIONAL INDOOR CLIMBING ACHIEVEMENT SCHEME

The 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.

• The cost of registration, logbooks and certificates is -
  LEVELS 1 & 2 combined £4.00
  LEVELS 3, 4 and 5 combined £7.50

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.