Why have a climbing wall?
Climbing is a great form of exercise. It builds strength, fitness and improves flexibility. It is a great activity for building confidence and is highly addictive. It allows a continuous progression as skill and strength develop, the climber can take on climbs of ever increasing difficulty and there are a number of awards available and a thriving competition circuit for climbers to aspire to.
As well as personal development, climbing can help to build team skills as it requires trust and partnership. Climbers can work together to overcome challenges.
Available awards for climbing include:
AQA Units (PDF) for Outdoor Education, with the pupil gaining a knowledge of rock climbing, safety and team work.
Duke of Edinburgh Award Physical section can be completed with climbing as the activity.
NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Achivement Scheme) is a UK wide scheme designed to promote climbing development and accredit individual achievement on artificial climbing structures. It can be used as a starting point for people wishing to take up climbing and mountaineering. It is open to everyone aged 7 and upwards.
More information can be found at: www.nicas.co.uk
