Experience coached sessions, accredited courses and community events at Herts Young Mariners Base in the Lea Valley.
A curated selection of sailing, paddling, SUP, climbing and open water swim experiences for teens and adults.
land-adventures · Cheshunt
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.
“Every outing is organized with local river knowledge, basic safety instruction, and equipment checks before departure.”
Lea Valley in Hertfordshire
Regular adult and youth sessions
Teens and adults welcome
Sailing, paddling, SUP and swims
Open the individual experience guide to confirm current availability, pricing, policies, conditions, and inclusions before booking.
The operator provides clear meeting points, departure times, and destination coordinates for all outings.
Personal flotation devices, emergency protocols, equipment checks, and paddling orientations are provided before departure.
Recommended layering, water shoes, sunscreen, and dry bags are detailed in each experience guide.
Guides share rich knowledge of regional flora, fauna, scenic landmarks, and river navigation.
A glimpse into the experiences, natural landscapes, and adventures waiting on your next trip.
Images supplied on the current Herts Young Mariners Base listing.
Herts Young Mariners Base offers a variety of guided outdoor excursions, scenic routes, rentals, and custom itineraries tailored for families, couples, and adventure enthusiasts.
Yes. Most trips feature comprehensive safety orientations, equipment fittings, and calm routes suited for first-time adventurers. Check the details on individual experience guides for specific age and skill requirements.
Standard safety equipment (such as certified life vests and essential gear) is supplied for each booking. Detailed checklists regarding weather-appropriate attire and personal items are provided prior to departure.
Reserve a spot for a course, coached session or the Mariners Mile — secure online booking and clear event details make it easy to join.
water-activities · Cheshunt
Join the Mariners Mile Swim on September 27, 2025, for a scenic and supportive open water challenge in Hertfordshire’s Lea Valley. Perfect for swimmers of all levels, this event combines nature, sport, and community in a memorable way.
water-activities · Cheshunt
Join expert-led canoe and kayak sessions every last Saturday at Herts Young Mariners Base. Perfect for all skill levels, these classes provide a fun, safe environment to master paddling on calm waters. Read on to discover what makes these sessions a top choice for water enthusiasts in Hertfordshire.
water-activities · Cheshunt
Discover the thrill of paddleboarding with the BSUPA Ready to Ride course at Herts Young Mariners Base. Perfect for beginners eager to learn new water skills in a safe, scenic setting.
water-activities · Cheshunt
Introduce your child to sailing with this hands-on course at Herts Young Mariners Base. Perfect for beginners, it combines skill-building with outdoor fun on the water.
water-activities · Cheshunt
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.
water-activities · Cheshunt
Dive into HYMB Lake’s Adult Swim sessions in Cheshunt, where experienced open water swimmers can enjoy safe, invigorating swims in a pristine freshwater setting. Discover why this managed lake is a standout spot for open water training near London.
Click into any experience card above to view current dates, live availability, transparent pricing, cancellation policies, and booking details.