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.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, focus on basic paddling skills and balance.
Wildlife
History
Herts Young Mariners Base has been a local hub for outdoor water activities for over 50 years, promoting safe and sustainable water recreation.
Conservation
The site actively promotes eco-friendly practices, ensuring the waterways remain pristine for future generations.
Herts Young Mariners Base
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.
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 to set up
Getting there 15 minutes early allows time to get comfortable with the equipment and orientation.
Wear quick-drying clothing
Dressing in moisture-wicking clothes ensures comfort if you get wet during the session.
Check weather conditions
Ensure good weather for a safe and enjoyable paddleboarding experience.
Follow instructor guidance closely
Pay attention to safety instructions and techniques for a secure paddling session.
Swimsuit or wetsuit
Helps stay comfortable and dry during your paddle.
summer
Water shoes or sandals
Provides grip and protection when launching and moving around.
summer
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protects against sun exposure during outdoor activity.
summer
Towel and change of clothes
Useful for drying off and changing after the session.
summer