My son David is taking part in a sponsored punt race in 
Cambridge this evening, and he has banned me from going to watch. I doubt he will end up with a Cambridge blue as this is his first try at steering the long pole, along with team mates from the city’s Dune Shoes where he works at weekends.
As I understand it, Cambridge and Oxford stand at opposite ends of the punt when they steer. I went punting many times in my young and carefree days, and often ended up in the Cam with my friend Sue – and runny mascara. Our punting sessions inevitably required a drying off trip at the local 
laundrette.
I did eventually master the skill, but like everything else, you need to keep practising to improve. The last time I tried punting was when I took the boys into Cambridge for a birthday treat and hired a punt as a surprise. We constantly coasted from one side of the bank to the other and didn’t travel more than a couple of meters up river in an hour. It caused great hilarity for the tourists who were watching.
Punting is big business in Cambridge and the cause of "Punt Wars" as rival businesses tout for trade. The touts are a real pain and I lose count of the number of times I tell them I am "a local" after being accosted by them in the city’s streets.
I hope David does well tonight as it’s for a good cause, the Teenage Cancer Trust.
He is sensibly taking some spare clothing with him…
yep i have tried it a few years ago its harder than it looks but good fun. The hard part is steering it 🙂 and keeping your balance
Hi Sally, did you stay dry? I agree it is harder than it looks. You need strong arm muscles. Perhaps we could try it again together before Geoff sets off on his next walking trip.
Sounds great fun – I hope David has a good time and for a great charity. I’ve never had a go at punting – another thing to put on my To Do list!
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No never I have never tried, but my brother was one of those working in the business a few years ago, working from the bridge next to The Anchor in Silver street. Taking people down the backs of the uni’s and knowing all the history as well. My brother (Paul) used to run the Bike Hire place on Newnham Common as well. I hope he wasn’t one of the touts that used to annoy you!!! :-).
Through the punting business, he was asked to teach/coach the actors in the film The Student Prince (1997) with Robson Green, how to punt!!! Of course he thought this a great honour and didn;t refuse. Met Robson and others, signed photos etc.
Good luck to David, Ellee.
Such a British thing Ellee. Our rivers are far too fast flowing for punting I should think but perhaps I should google it to make sure. Sounds like fun.
As jmb states, our rivers are more for white water rafting than punting. Both fun, though, I’m sure. 😀
Anne, I could do with a few lessons from your brothers. The touts stop people every few yards in their busy area and if you are in a rush, it gets very annoying. However, it can be amusing to watch as the touts tend to be good looking, strapping students trying to earn some extra dosh and once my mother and I had lunch in a riverside restaurant and watched them put on their charm as they approached pretty young girls passing by.
David did very well last night, I was really surprised as punting requires a deft skill. He says he was the best on his punt and that they won the race. And David is extremely modest, he does not boast, so it must be true. They are expecting a hamper of goodies as their prize.
Unfortunately, I had to get out of bed at 1am to bring him home from the station as there were no taxis, still wearing my pyjamas!
I expect it will be vicious. Presumably there are no passengers?
WW, yes, there were passengers, and it wasn’t vicious, but lots of fun according to David.
Looks like hard work to me!
I tried it many years ago and it was a disaster! So I admire you for mastering it. In bocca al lupo, David!
I can only imagine how much fun that was, I would spend more time in the water than the punt 🙂
I tried it once with a girlfriend. Very unsuccessful and frustrating. I did stay dry. Better to stay on the grass and have a beer.
One of the best memories of my old Dad is his pushing us from one bank of nettles to the other on the river Cam for about half an hour, but refusing to ask for advice on how to punt.
It is of course quite straight forward once you know how.
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