EXPERIENCE
THE CLIMB
Everyone from beginners to more experienced climbers will be tested by the wall’s 200m² climbing surface, with its variety of slabs, overhanging walls, pinches, crimps, smears, pockets and jams. While beginners will be equipped and taken through the basics by our fully qualified instructors, coaching is available for regular climbers to improve their technique.
Furthermore, we are also an awarding centre for National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS) Level 1*, which assesses the abilities of younger climbers.
Safety is essential in all areas of the rock wall; therefore we ensure our equipment and the wall itself are regularly inspected under guidance from indoor climbing wall and technical advisory, ‘DWG climbing and mountaineering’.
* NICAS levels 2 & 3 coming soon.
EXPERIENCE THE CLIMB
ADULT CLIMBING
Everyone from beginners to more experienced climbers will be tested by the wall’s 200m² climbing surface, with its variety of slabs, overhanging walls, pinches, crimps, smears, pockets and jams. If you are new to climbing our fully- qualified instructors will take you on a guided introduction session to set you up with all the skills needed to become an independent climber. Coaching is available for regular climbers to challenge and improve their technique.
Safety is essential in all areas of the rock wall; therefore we ensure our equipment and the wall itself are regularly inspected under guidance from indoor climbing wall and technical advisory, ‘DWG climbing and mountaineering’.
All equipment will be provided by us, however if you have your own, shoes or chalk bag you are welcome to bring them along. Members can enjoy the Rock Room for free as part of their membership and bookings can be taken seven days in advance.
Non-members are able to book 2 days in advance £9 per session.
NATIONAL INDOOR CLIMBING AWARD SCHEME
JUNIOR CLIMBING
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your climbing skills, NICAS provides a safe and enjoyable pathway. It focuses on indoor roped climbing, providing participants with a solid foundation in climbing techniques, safety awareness, and personal progression.
Each child will receive their own log book where they can track their development and their instructors will continuously assess their skills. As they advance through the levels they will receive a badge and certificate to show their achievements.
Our NICAS lessons currently run on a Monday evening 4:30- 6:00pm and Thursday evening 4:00- 5:30 and are suitable for those aged between 7- 11.
The classes are a maximum of 12 participants with an instructor ratio of 1:6. All of our instructors are mountain training qualified climbing wall instructors.
HOW DO I ENROL MY CHILD ON A NICAS COURSE?
To Enroll onto NICAS lessons please visit or call reception. If the class is fully booked please leave your name and email and you will be added to our waiting list and emailed first about any available spaces.
NICAS Level 1 : New climbers
BEGINNER CLIMBERS aged 7-11
CONTENTS
- Awareness of safety rules and hazards, appropriate dress and behaviour
- Putting on a harness and helmet correctly
- Participate in warm ups
Connecting harness to rope with a re-threaded figure of 8 knot - Climbing a chosen route with confidence
- Safe belaying under supervision
- Correct method of decending by climber
- Simple communication with climbing partner
- Basic climbing moves
TERM DATES
Monday 16: NICAS sessions April – May 2026
Term dates:
Monday 13th April
Monday 20th April
Monday 27th April
Monday 11th May
Monday 18th May
Course fees for the 5 week spring half term are: £75 Non- Members £62.50 Members (pro-rata to exclude bank holiday Monday, 1.5 hour classes)
Thursday NICAS sessions April – May 2026
Term dates:
Thursday 16th April
Thursday 23th April
Thursday 30th April
Thursday 7th May
Thursday 14th May
Thursday 21st May
Course fees for the 6 week spring half term are: £90 Non- Members £75 Members (1.5 hour classes)
When enrolling for the next term we give priority to current participants to ensure they can keep their space on their class to fuel their progression. If any spaces become available we will notify those on our waitlist first and then open up on a first come- first serve basis.
NICAS is a nationally recognised scheme. Level 1–3 certificates can be used at any climbing centre to progress to the next level. Completion of NICAS Level 3 is equivalent to a GCSE.
NICAS Level 2 : Foundation climbers
FOUNDATION CLIMBERS
CONTENTS
- Connecting self and others to rope with a re-tied figure of 8 knot and stopper knot
Pre-climb safety checks of self and others - Belaying and lowering using a suitable belay device
- Ground anchor systems
- Holding a fall in a top rope situation
- Effective comminication and teamwork with climbing partner
- Knowledge of sport climbing and bouldering grades
- Selection of appropriate routes
- Effective dafe use of a bouldering or traversing wall
- Simple climbing technique: the use of feet and legs, weight transfer, relaxed upright stance, smooth balanced movement and conservation of holds
TERM DATES
Coming soon…
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many sessions are there per term?
Our NICAS sessions are run alongside school term dates therefore the number of sessions per term may change depending on how many weeks are in a term. We pro-rata the price of each term to reflect this. We currently do not deliver NICAS sessions during half terms or holidays.
Do I need to re-book my child each term?
Yes. We will send out information for re-enrollments every half term and allow a priority booking period for current participants before opening up any available spaces for new enrollments.
My child has lost their logbook. Can I get a new one?
Yes. Replacement logbooks can be purchased from reception for £10.
What should my child wear/ what equipment should they bring?
Children should wear sports clothing. All long hair must be tied back, and all jewellery must be removed. All safety equipment is provided by Wellington Health and Fitness Club. However, children may bring their own climbing shoes and chalk bags if they have them. Children Should bring a water bottle.
How long will it take to complete each level?
The length of time it takes to pass a NICAS level is entirely based on each child’s ability. We recommend each child completes a minimum of 1 full term in our Beginners class before considering moving on to the next level. Please discuss with your instructor about moving up.
What happens if my child misses a session?
Please notify the club if your child will be absent or late. If your child is more than 20 minutes late then they will have missed important safety briefs and warm ups so may not be able to participate.
Refunds cannot be given for missed sessions.
Who teaches the course?
The course is taught by our in-house instructors, Liv and Gaby. One of the benefits of completing the course at Wellington Health and Fitness Club is consistency—your child will stay with the same instructor throughout the course, rather than changing every few sessions.
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