The Cusher River in Northern Ireland is typically paddled as part of a combined route alongside the River Bann and Newry Canal, departing from the River Bann Car Park near Portadown, with Portadown Boat Club also used as a meeting point. The standard route travels upstream along the Bann and Newry Canal before crossing over into the Cusher, then paddling downstream along the Cusher and returning to the Bann. This circuit is generally completed as a full day on the water, with a start around 10:00am and a return to the put-in by approximately 3:00pm.

The Cusher is described as a sheltered watercourse, making it well suited to beginners and those new to river paddling. The route as a whole is considered appropriate for all ability levels, from novice to experienced paddlers. The character of the paddle is relaxed, with breaks built into the day and a lunch stop mid-route, so paddlers are advised to bring food.

Paddle Northern Ireland organises guided trips on this route and opens them to both members and non-members. Equipment hire, including a boat, paddle, and personal flotation device, is available through the organisation. Costs at time of writing are £10 for non-members to join a paddle and £15 for equipment hire, with members paddling free and hiring equipment for £10. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult, and all paddles are subject to weather conditions. The trips start and finish from the same location, avoiding the need for vehicle shuttling.