The River Ouse in East Sussex is a tidal estuary flowing into the English Channel at Newhaven. For paddlers, the key characteristic is the significant tidal influence below Barcombe Mills, which dictates trip planning. The river above Barcombe Mills is non-tidal, slow-moving, and picturesque, suitable for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. A popular and scenic day trip for all skill levels is the approximately 7km journey from Barcombe Mills upstream to Isfield Weir, passing the Anchor Inn pub which serves as a convenient rest stop. The section just below Barcombe Mills is very deep. Launching at Barcombe Mills involves a car park off the A26 near Lewes; from there, a track leads to a specific launching pool. For those venturing downstream on the tidal section, a common take-out point with a slipway and easy parking is at Southease Swing Bridge, approximately 9.5 miles from Barcombe. Continuing further to Newhaven Harbour is possible but the take-out there is difficult and the presence of large ships can be intimidating. Paddlers must carefully consult tide timetables for the Newhaven area, as the tide turns approximately three hours later at Barcombe. Paddling against the tidal flow on the lower river is quite hard work. Hazards are minimal but include anglers along the banks and a weir at Hamsey that requires portaging about 2.5 miles downstream from Barcombe. There is an access agreement with anglers stating canoeing should not occur above Hamsey on the first weekend after June 16th each year. The river environment is rich in wildlife, with frequent sightings of herons, swans, geese, and various insects. The overall experience offers a mix of peaceful, meandering countryside upstream and a faster, more exposed tidal journey downstream for those who time it correctly.