If you are looking for outdoor adventure you have come to the right place! We offer a range of courses in canoeing, sailing, climbing, caving, first aid, and many more, with professional instructors and to nationally recognised standards. We provide tailor made courses, activity specific team building, and pure recreation.
The original centre opened in 1957, using old Victorian buildings as equipment stores and offices. In recent years the buildings have become beyond economical repair and too small to support the growing level of activity. Thus, the plan to demolish and build a new centre was born.
As well as the new centre facilities, the Base also has the first ever combined outdoor climbing wall and purpose designed caving complex, which now adds two more exciting activities to those already on offer.
Herts Young Mariners Base (HYMB) is managed by Hertfordshire County Council Youth Service and has a reputation for excellence and professionalism and operates to the highest safety standards. In 1997 the centre obtained their Adventure Activity Centre License, certificate no. L6099/RO574. The centre is recognised as a teaching establishment by the Royal Yachting Association, a British Canoe Union Centre and operates to the standards of the Mountain Leader Training Board and National Caving Association.
During 1999 the centre was inspected by a variety of organisations starting with Ofsted who stated:
"... the Herts Young Mariners Base is an excellent facility that has been redeveloped recently through a successful lottery bid. It provides a range of watersports, caving and climbing activities with an experienced team of outdoor specialists. It has an outstanding safety record and is affiliated to the British Canoe Union, Royal Yachting Association, British Mountaineering Council and Royal Lifesaving Society." (Reference: 183/99/DS Hertfordshire Youth Service.)
HYMB offers courses and activities for all those above the age of 9 and of all abilities, so the whole family can be involved.
There are a number of courses led by professional instructors where you can attain Royal Yachting and British Canoe Union awards and more. Whether you are a beginner, more advanced, young or old, there is a course for you!
Tailor made courses for schools and groups can provide the ultimate challenge. So whether you're looking for pure recreation, team building exercises, induction courses for new year 7's or Sixth Form, or a specific activity, we always have something on offer. Courses range from half a day to a week.
We offer activities after school, through the school holidays and on Saturday mornings.
As young people develop their skills we challenge them on courses at more remote venues in Dorset, Derbyshire, North Wales and Scotland. Our most important asset is our staff, who have a positive attitude, training and experience of working with a wide range of people with disabilities. The centre is physically accessible with a lift, accessible toilet and shower with Liko H Track hoist, Molift Hoist to access watercraft and Liko Viking mobile hoist. We have a selection of slings and the hoists are compatible with most slings except Arjo if you wish to bring your own.
Our staffing ratios change according to the needs of participants and we can adapt equipment and programme to meet the needs of most people.
This year we have 2 new Bell Boats to increase the range of activities on offer.
A programme of Open Canoe expeditions are in place supporting the 3 levels of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award