Punting, a Cambridge Tradition
Finally went punting today! Well, I have been punting before where someone else is actually doing the physical punting and I do the relax-and-ride role (very taxing one indeed), but today was the ultimate chance to punt all by myself. 5 of us went and rented a punt (about 10 pounds an hour), crossing our fingers it wouldn't rain (it didn't thankfully) and setting out onto the crowded River Cam. Filled with tourists and English-language students and other exchange students, it seemed to be International Day on the river, and we saw all types of punting techniques out there. Rory's theory was that the Italians seem to prefer to try to punt from the front of the boat as opposed to the back which is traditional (not sure if they just didn't notice everyone else doing it from the back, or if they were trying to be different). One Chinese guy apparently just gave up, put his pole in the boat and slowly paddled along with the little paddle they give you! There was much crashing and bumper-boats going, with exclamations and yelling in multiple languages. We learned a few punting tips as the day went on, such as:
- Your pole may get stuck if the ground is muddy. This is particularly inconvenient when you have just given a huge push with all of your might and the boat rushes along quickly in the OPPOSITE direction from the stuck pole.
- If your pole does get stuck, LET IT GO. Tina almost learned this lesson the hard way, getting tossed across the boat as she struggled with the stuck pole. It is either you, or the pole, so unless you are in the mood for a swim with the geese just drop it, don't fight it, and use your little paddle to get your stuck pole or plead with an experienced punter to pass the pole as they go by.
- DUCK under the bridges, and try not to get stuck at 90 degree angles to everyone else under the bridge.
- An MBA degree does NOT guarantee mastery of the ancient Cambridge art of punting. Nor does it guarantee successful negotiating skills when maneuvering among difficult punting passengers in crowded rivers... (though perhaps having beer on board might help, will keep in mind for next time) ;)
- Parking is a skill that some seem to have naturally (Ryan!). Turning the boat around 180 degrees in the crowded river is another thing... good job Hugo ;)
- You are meant to STEER the thing...yes that is right. With a giant pole. Good luck.
- Who says boys are better punters than girls??
- Ok I admit, my muscles were pretty tired after a while... maybe boys ARE a bit better suited...besides, I really shouldn't complain if they want to show off and push me along the river now, should I?
posted by Jen @ 11:25 PM
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