Take to the water at Herts Young Mariners Base with Adult Paddle sessions designed for those ready to paddle independently. Kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard on Cheshunt Lake in a relaxed, unstructured setting every Thursday and Saturday.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness needed for paddling, including upper body strength and balance for SUP.
Wildlife
History
HYMB has supported community watersports since its founding as a youth development center, evolving to serve adults while maintaining its educational roots.
Conservation
The base emphasizes low-impact usage of the lake, advocating for clean paddling and habitat respect to preserve this freshwater ecosystem.
Herts Young Mariners Base
Take to the water at Herts Young Mariners Base with Adult Paddle sessions designed for those ready to paddle independently. Kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard on Cheshunt Lake in a relaxed, unstructured setting every Thursday and Saturday.
Herts Young Mariners Base is an outdoor water activity centre located in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, in the Lea Valley. The base runs a range of supervised lake-based activities for young people and adults, including sailing, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), raft building, fencing, archery and climbing. Herts Young Mariners Base offers structured courses and one-off sessions: RYA Stage 1 three-day beginner sailing courses for children; BSUPA Level 1 “Ready to Ride” two-hour SUP introductions; coached canoe and kayak sessions for adults; and regular adult paddle sessions for experienced participants.
The venue hosts organised events such as the Mariners Mile Open Water Swim and monthly “Adults Come and Try Activities” evenings. The Mariners Mile is an open water swim event held at HYMB in Cheshunt, with distances for different abilities and a minimum age of 14 for participants; a portion of the event fees supports Cancer Research UK. Adult swim sessions and coached paddles run on set evenings and weekends, with changing rooms and refreshments available on site.
Herts Young Mariners Base uses qualified instructors for coached sessions and accredited courses, and schedules beginner-focused and skill-development opportunities for different ages and abilities. The base operates a mix of instructor-led courses and non-instructor-led sessions, providing options for certification, coached progression, or relaxed recreational use. Its location in the Lea Valley provides accessible open water and flat-water environments suitable for learning, training, and organised events.
Booking info, session times and entry requirements are on the base's event pages; check before attending for exact details.
Location
Cheshunt, England
Lea Valley in Hertfordshire
Scheduled Sessions
Monthly & Weekly
Regular adult and youth sessions
Ages Accepted
14+ (events & swims)
Teens and adults welcome
Events & Courses
Multiple experiences
Sailing, paddling, SUP and swims
Reserve a spot for a course, coached session or the Mariners Mile — secure online booking and clear event details make it easy to join.
Bring Your Own Paddle Gear
While HYMB has equipment, advanced paddlers are encouraged to bring their own to best suit their style and comfort.
Check Weather Beforehand
Wind and rain can affect surface conditions—plan your session accordingly for safety and enjoyment.
Arrive Early to Prepare
Since sessions are non-instructor-led, arriving early helps you rig and launch smoothly before others arrive.
Only for Certified Paddlers
These sessions require prior course completion or paddle awards—beginners should book instructor-led options first.
Personal PFD (Life Jacket)
Critical for safety on water to ensure buoyancy and protection.
Waterproof Layer
Protects against wind chill and spray, especially useful in cooler seasons.
fall|spring|winter
Quick-Dry Clothing
Keeps you comfortable and prevents chilling as you get wet on the water.
summer
Sun Protection Kit
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential to avoid UV exposure during sunny paddling.
summer