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.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Basic mobility is sufficient; no advanced fitness needed
Wildlife
History
The Herts Young Mariners Base has been part of community water sports education since 1990, fostering youth engagement in sailing.
Conservation
The program emphasizes environmental awareness by teaching participants about waterway preservation and safe boating practices.
Herts Young Mariners Base
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.
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.
Check Weather Conditions
Always review wind and weather forecasts before heading out to ensure safe sailing conditions.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Bring quick-drying clothes and a life jacket for safety and comfort during on-water activities.
Arrive Early
Getting to the base early allows for equipment setup and a full immersive experience.
Follow Instructor Commands
Pay close attention to your instructor to maximize learning and safety during the course.
Life Jacket
A properly fitted life jacket is crucial for safety during sailing activities.
Sun Protection
Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect against sun exposure.
summer
Waterproof Clothing
Stay dry and comfortable with waterproof jackets and pants.
spring-fall
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the course with a reusable water bottle.