These courses are for children aged 9-13, and introduce a more technical aspect to climbing. It’s during this club that belaying and knot tying is introduced, and children are also taught how climbing works, including safety elements and consideration for other climbers. And of course, there’s lots of climbing and fun involved!
The courses provide a good basis of climbing knowledge, including transferable skills such as team work, co-ordination, and communication. It also focuses on how to enjoy climbing and develop an affiliation for the sport which will hopefully continue into adulthood!
Climbing and bouldering is covered in these sessions.
Classes are now split into NICAS Levels 1, 2, and 3.
NICAS Level 1 - This level is for children who are beginning their climbing journey, where children work on the first level of NICAS. Pick this class if your child is working on their Level 1, or if they haven’t attended a course before, or they have aged out of the 7-9 courses.
NICAS Level 2 - This level is the ‘next steps’ of the climbing journey. To book onto this class, your child must have completed their Level 1. If in doubt, please check their logbook or drop us an email!
NICAS Level 3 - This is a more advanced level of climbing. Children must have completed their Level 1 and Level 2 to attend this class. If in doubt, please check their logbook or drop us an email!
Important Info:
Level 1 classes are 60 minutes long and available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays or Sundays. Each course costs £15 per session and are bookable in blocks of 5-7 weeks depending on the length of the school half term.
Level 2 classes are 80 minutes long and available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, or Sundays. Each course costs £20 per session and are bookable in blocks of 5-7 weeks depending on the length of the school half term.
Level 3 classes are 80 minutes long and available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, or Sundays. Each course costs £20 per session and are bookable in blocks of 5-7 weeks depending on the length of the school half term.
FAQs
What is NICAS?
NICAS stands for the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme, and is a syllabus that we follow. A full breakdown of the levels can be found here: https://www.nicas.co.uk/schemes/climbing/
Does my child need any experience to join these courses?
Children don’t need any experience before booking onto Level 1, as this is the beginner level. Children do need to have completed their Level 1 before booking into a Level 2 or Level 3 course.
Does my child need any equipment?
All the equipment your child will need is included in the price of the course. Your child will be provided with a harness, and can either wear their trainers or try on some climbing shoes (also included).
My child wants to climb more than once per week, is this possible?
Yes, you can book additional club days for a reduced price for the second day. Please contact us to arrange this after booking your preferred day. Second club slots are only available subject to availability.
My child is unable to attend due to sickness and illness - can I have refund or reduction?
Unfortunately we are unable to offer a reduction or refund for non attendance. The costs to us are the same regardless of attendance and we have limited slots available for people. In the event that your child has missed more than three sessions due to illness we will allow a 50% reduction on a future booking for a course booked within the same academic year. No further reductions or transfers are available.
My child is unable to attend this week - can they come on a different day?
As we run tight safety ratios we are unable to move children between club days.
What is a membership?
A Boulders membership entitles the holder to come climbing as often as they like for one fixed monthly fee. The membership also entitles the holder to discounts off all courses. More info about memberships can be found here. Please note that if your child has a membership they will still need to be supervised by a competent adult when using the centre.
My child is really enjoying climbing, and I would like to learn how to belay so I can bring my child more. How do I do this?
This is a great idea! A parent can supervise up to two novices when they are registered as ‘competent’, and there is no charge if you are only belaying. As a parent, you can either book onto an Introduction to Climbing Course (more info here) or book onto a parent Learn to Belay course.