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.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good health, with basic mobility, but no advanced fitness level needed.
Wildlife
History
The river has been a designated waterway for local trade and recreation for over a century, shaping the surrounding community.
Conservation
The base actively promotes leave-no-trace principles, ensuring the river remains a pristine environment for future generations.
Herts Young Mariners Base
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.
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 Prepared
Bring a change of clothes and sun protection for a comfortable day on the water.
Start Small
Focus on basic strokes early on to build confidence before tackling more complex maneuvers.
Check the Weather
Ensure weather conditions are suitable for paddling to enjoy a safe session.
Use Proper Gear
Wear a life jacket and use the provided equipment to stay safe and comfortable.
Comfortable Clothing
Wear quick-drying, layered clothing suitable for water activities.
spring;summer;fall
Sun Protection
Bring sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to protect from UV rays.
spring;summer
Water Shoes
Optional for added foot protection and grip.
spring;summer;fall
Dry Bag
Use to keep personal items dry during the session.