What Can I Expect

Go kayaking in East Sussex and paddle the waters of the River Ouse! We are offering kayak river trips that are ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Convivial, peaceful and fun, this is a great way to get into kayaking and explore a lovely waterway too.

All the gear you need is included and you've got British Canoe Union instructors who will be leading and teaching. Before setting off on your kayaking expedition, you'll go through the basic paddle and rescue techniques. You can even try the capsize drill, but only if you're up for it.

The base for the River Ouse trip is Barcombe Mills, near Lewes and not far from Brighton. This is a slow-flowing canal that winds its way through some beautiful countryside, including the very picturesque South Downs.

It feels a million miles away from all the hustle, bustle, traffic and noise, as you gently paddle under disused railway bridges, past the waterside pub and alongside hedgerows and patchwork fields, spotting wildlife as you go. This is a much-loved tour route that takes you right to Isfield Weir, the very pretty restored lock, where you'll turn back and head back to Barcombe.

There's no need to have any kayaking experience to be able to go on the tour, but please be aware that it'll be around a five hour round trip, so you'll need to be up for a lengthy, if leisurely, paddle out. Quite possibly the most idyllic settings for kayaking in the whole of East Sussex, we think you'll love it at Barcombe Mills.

When Is It Available

• Available Sunday to Friday between March and October
• All dates and times are subject to availability

Suitable For

• Suitable for both beginners and regular paddlers
• Minimum age 18
• Maximum weight 18 stone (115kg)
• Participants should be able to swim 50m unaided
• A good general level of fitness is required

Spectators

• Due to the nature of this activity it is not suitable for spectators

Anything Else

• Suitable clothing for the time of year should be worn
• A change of clothing and appropriate footwear is also required
• A full kit list will be provided upon booking
• You will form part of a small group for this experience
• You'll achieve the British Canoeing Start Award as part of this trip. If you're brand new to the sport and really want to learn the basics to get started, then this is the award for you. You'll cover everything from getting in and out of the boat, what you need to wear and paddling forward