Looking for a fun, action-packed evening outdoors? Discover thrilling activities at Herts Young Mariners Base, from archery and caving to canoeing and fencing, perfect for adult adventurers seeking new challenges.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in general good shape, capable of handling active outdoor activities.
Wildlife
History
The site has been used for outdoor education since the early 2000s, emphasizing youth and community engagement.
Conservation
Herts Young Mariners Base adopts eco-friendly practices, minimizing environmental impact and promoting outdoor sustainability.
Herts Young Mariners Base
Looking for a fun, action-packed evening outdoors? Discover thrilling activities at Herts Young Mariners Base, from archery and caving to canoeing and fencing, perfect for adult adventurers seeking new challenges.
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.
Arrive early for equipment fitting
Getting there 15-30 minutes early ensures proper gear fitting and a smoother start.
Dress appropriately for outdoor activities
Wear athletic clothing and sturdy footwear to stay comfortable and safe throughout each session.
Stay hydrated during sessions
Bring water bottles to keep hydrated during physical activities, especially in warm weather.
Communicate with instructors about your experience level
Sharing your comfort level helps staff tailor your experience for maximum enjoyment and safety.
Comfortable Activewear
Clothing suitable for outdoor movement and variable weather conditions.
Sturdy Athletic Shoes
Footwear with good grip is essential for climbing, caving, and water activities.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during active sessions with a refillable water bottle.
Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
Prepare for sudden weather changes with a lightweight waterproof layer.
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