How NICAS is Creating Lifelong, Happy Climbers!

NICAS, a UK-based charity, also known as the National Indoor Climbing Award Schemes, continues to make waves in the world of climbing education and inclusion. With over 300 accredited climbing centres worldwide, NICAS provides structured pathways that help climbers of all ages and abilities progress safely and confidently through the sport.

Founded in 2008, NICAS was created to give climbers a clear, progressive structure within indoor climbing, supporting walls, coaches, and participants through training, resources, and accreditation. Since then, over 250,000 young people have taken part in a NICAS programme — a number that continues to grow by around 25,000 participants each year.

The charity currently runs five accredited schemes: Climbing, Bouldering, Clip, Wild Climbers, and its latest addition, Ascend.

Image Credit: NICAS

Launched this year, NICAS Ascend has been designed for and tested by neurodivergent and disabled climbers. Developed in partnership with inclusion specialist, Sarah Jones and Access Sport, Ascend provides coaches and centres with the tools, training, and confidence to make climbing more accessible than ever before.

“Our mission is simple — to make climbing accessible, structured and inclusive,” says Tom Vaessen-Walker, Head of Commercial Partnerships at NICAS. “From our Wild Climbers preschool programme to Ascend, designed for disabled and neurodivergent participants, we’re proud to help more people discover climbing.”

2025 also marks another first for NICAS — the organisation will be exhibiting at Vertical Pro for the very first time, co-exhibiting alongside their partners EP Climbing. Visitors are invited to drop by the stand to learn more about NICAS’ accredited schemes, training pathways, and its growing international community.

Come and say hi at Vertical Pro 2025, and find out how NICAS is helping more people discover climbing, one scheme at a time.

Find out more at www.nicas.co.uk.