Coaching
Beginner Taster Session
Our taster sessions are here to help all novice climbers! If it’s your first climb, this induction will set you on the right track to start your climbing journey. Whether you want to get serious about climbing or are looking for a fun day out, a beginner taster session at Durham Climbing Centre is the perfect way to get started. The taster session includes 30 minutes coaching where you will learn the importance of warming up alongside basic skills and techniques in climbing. Then after this you can climb as long as you wish! The session includes shoe hire and chalk.
Beginner / Improver Course
This is the ideal session if you are looking for coaching on every visit and includes a national award in bouldering (NICAS). With five levels of structured progression, this scheme focuses on key skills for anyone new to climbing. Our scheme is open to adults and children aged 7+ making it a unique course that is suitable for any age! Sign up and get your own NICAS Logbook and be awarded with a certificate at each level of the scheme. Booking is essential so make sure to get your place!
Aims of NICAS
- To learn how to use equipment properly.
- To develop risk assessment and risk management skills in the sport.
- To work as a team, communicate with and trust other boulderers.
- To provide a structure for development, motivation and improved performance.
- To develop an understanding of the sport, it’s history and ethics.
- To provide a record of personal achievement.
- To point the way to further disciplines and challenges in climbing beyond the scheme.
Adult Beginner Climbing Course with NICAS
This is the ideal session if you are looking for coaching on every visit in a small group.
This course is suitable for beginner or experienced climbers and includes a nationally recognised award in Bouldering. This is the ideal session if you are looking for coaching on every visit in a small group. With five levels of structured progression, the National Indoor Bouldering Award Scheme (NICAS) focuses on key skills for anyone new to artificial climbing. Our scheme is open to adults age 16+
Keep track of your progress with your own NICAS Logbook and be awarded with a certificate at each level of the scheme. Booking is essential so make sure to get your place!
Aims of NICAS
- To learn how to use equipment properly.
- To develop risk assessment and risk management skills in the sport.
- To work as a team, communicate with and trust other boulderers.
- To provide a structure for development, motivation and improved performance.
- To develop an understanding of the sport, it’s history and ethics.
- To provide a record of personal achievement.
- To point the way to further disciplines and challenges in climbing beyond the scheme.
Family Taster Session
Want to start your climbing journey as a family? Well our family climbing sessions are a compulsory taster of everything you need to know to start climbing! Whether you want to get serious about climbing or are looking for a fun day out, a beginner taster session at Durham Climbing Centre is the perfect way to get started. The taster session includes 30 minutes coaching where you will learn the importance of warming up alongside basic skills and techniques in climbing. Then after this you can climb as long as you wish! The session includes shoe hire and chalk hire.
Personal Coaching (1 Hour)
Want a bit of one on one time to get your climbing in gear? Then our private tuition sessions are perfect for you! Get personal coaching from a qualified and experienced climbing coach. With programmes designed just for you, whether you are a beginner or looking to improve your technique we are here to help!
Sessions may be booked as and when required. Book a beginner taster to book your coach for 60 mins. This session can be tailored to any level of climber.
Free Adult Coaching
Want a bit of help with your technique? Our friendly climbing coaches are on hand to offer free advice and tips! Whether its skills and techniques, route reading, training or anything else you need, we’ve got you covered. These casual sessions are a great way to get to know our coaches so feel free to come along! Coaching is completely free, just pay your normal entry fee.
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How to book
Book onto a week night Adult Climbing Session and we will see you there!
Session Etiquette
- Pre-booking online is essential into each session you intend participating in as numbers are limited.
- Please contact the centre if you are booked into a session and cannot attend.
- Please inform your instructor of any medical conditions prior to the start of the session.
- Ensure you arrive five minutes prior to the commencement of the session to fit climbing shoes and fill in registration forms.
- Please wear light comfortable clothing for the class preferably long sleeves and trousers.
- Please hire climbing shoes or bring your own. Only climbing shoes are permitted onto the matted areas. Bare feet are not permitted on the climbing walls.
- Food and drinks are not permitted on the climbing mats.
- Lockers may be hired from reception. Deposit required £1
- Please note the centre is monitored by CCTV.