A parent of two fantastic NICAS students explains why climbing is their new found sport, what NICAS entails, and the range of benefits it provides for her children.
My son (age 13) was introduced to the NICAS climbing course at Summit Up in Oldham by a friend. After a half term block, I decided that my younger daughter (age 12) might also like to join.
She’s a dancer and very flexible so she took to climbing instantly. We come every Monday from 6-8pm.
There is a cycle of different instructors but they are all really friendly and great with my children. Safety is really important it the instructors also make the sessions fun.
I’m really impressed with this new found sport. Not only is it physically demanding, it also develops resilience, problem solving skills, determination and trust in your partner.
The instructors supervise diligently teaching knots, rope techniques and belaying skills. They offer support when needed and use specific praise so that my children know how to improve.
The children get a log book to record their climbs and the instructors tick off skills as they have been achieved. My children have both received their Level 1 NICAS certificates and are working towards Level 2.
My son is working towards the bronze Duke of Edinburgh and this climbing course counts as the Physical component.
Both children look forward to coming each week and have made friends within the group. I enjoy sitting with a coffee and a book whilst they climb!
December 2026 – March 2027
Fresh Problems. Monthly Challenges. One Big League! Ready to put your climbing to the test this winter?
The Summit Up Winter Boulder League is back, bringing you fresh boulder problems, monthly challenges and the chance to battle your way up the leaderboard!
Each round brings a new set of problems to tackle, giving you the chance to test your strength, technique and problem-solving skills against other climbers.
Friday 27th – Sunday 29th November 2026
Three days. A completely fresh set of boulders. One big competition!
We're stripping our entire bouldering area and setting a brand-new range of competition problems to put your climbing to the test. Expect challenging moves, tricky sequences and plenty of opportunities to push your limits, rack up points and climb your way up the leaderboard!
WE'RE HIRING! JOIN THE SUMMIT UP TEAM! We're looking for enthusiastic and experienced Climbing Instructors / Receptionists to join our friendly team at Summit Up Climbing Centre in Oldham! If you're passionate about climbing, love working with people and enjoy helping climbers of all ages and abilities develop their skills, we'd love to hear from you!