NICAS Advanced (5 Sessions)

This course is for experienced young climbers aged 8 to 14 who have completed NICAS Levels 1-3 and are ready to take on the most challenging aspects of indoor climbing, including lead climbing and performance training.

This programme aims to transform young climbers into self-motivated “Lead Climbers” and then “Advanced Climbers” with the skills and knowledge to pursue climbing as a sport and a lifelong passion.

Course Details

Who it’s for: Experienced climbers aged 8-14 who have achieved NICAS Level 3.

Duration: 2 hours per day, Monday to Friday.

Location: Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) in Ratho.

Objective: To develop advanced lead climbing skills and an understanding of structured training for performance, progressing participants through Level 4 (Lead Climber) and Level 5 (Advanced Climber).

What You Will Learn

This advanced course focuses on the technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of climbing to help participants become well-rounded and high-performing athletes.

Level 4: Lead Climber

• Lead climbing techniques: Learn the fundamental skills of lead climbing, including rope handling, clipping quickdraws correctly, and efficient movement on lead
• Belaying a lead climber: Master the advanced safety procedures and techniques for lead belaying, including how to hold a leader fall
• Risk management: Develop a deeper understanding of the specific hazards associated with lead climbing
• Performance progression: Work towards improving lead climbing ability by at least one grade and logging a significant number of lead climbs and belays at or above the French grade 5a (F5a)

Level 5: Advanced Climber

• Personalized performance profiling (PPP): Create a personal training program tailored to your goals, with guidance from expert coaches
• Structured training: Gain an understanding of training principles, energy systems, periodization, and how to effectively warm up and cool down
• Competition pathway: Get an introduction to the world of competition climbing and learn about local and national climbing events
• The wider world of climbing: Explore different climbing styles, adapt techniques for various settings (indoor and potentially outdoor), and understand the history and ethics of the sport

What’s Included?

• Advanced instruction from qualified climbing coaches specializing in performance training
• All necessary climbing equipment provided for the duration of the course
• NICAS logbook updates to track progress through Levels 4 and 5
• Certificates upon successful completion of each level