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What
is punting?
Punting
is one of Cambridge’s chief attractions. Punts are flat-bottomed
boats which, because they don’t have a keel, are usually steered
with a long pole (about 10 foot long).
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Take
a virtual punt without the fear of ever getting wet!
A perfect alternative for the non-swimmer and those who dislike
fresh air.
Try
it nice
'n leisurely
Try it at 4x
normal speed!
Both
clips are Real 28K, use
webwise guide to downloading RealPlayer
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Somebody
(usually the drawer of the short straw!) stands on the platform
at the back and pushes the pole against the river bed in order to
move the punt. The end of the pole that goes in the water has two
metal prongs on it to help you get a grip - especially if you are
unfortunate enough to get stuck!
What to do when things go wrong!
Check out some of our top tips to make
sure your journey is plain sailing »
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Punting
in the rain!
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Where
did they come from?
Pleasure
punts were introduced to Cambridge in Edwardian times. Before that,
they were used by fisherman and reed-cutters in the Fens. The basic
design was developed in Medieval times and made it a very stable
craft, particularly suitable for shallow water. These craft were
therefore perfect for use in the marshy Fens.
Where
to punt in Cambridge
You can punt between Grantchester
and Jesus Lock, by Jesus Green, a route which takes you along the
Backs (the backs of some of the older Cambridge colleges).
Instructions
for punters:
• Wear sensible footwear
• Make sure platform is dry to avoid hilarious banana skin-like
slide into water
• Get your balance
• Drop the pole straight down into the water. Let it slide
through your hands until it touches the river bed
• Push
• Pick up the pole
• Repeat as often as needed
N.B. Try not to splash your puntees and if you ever need to decide
between staying in the boat and keeping hold of the pole, remember
that you can always go back for the pole.
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Where
to hire punts:
•
The Granta pub on Newnham Road
•
By the Anchor on Silver Street at the
end of Mill Lane
•
Trinity College
•
The Quayside near Magdalene College
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Instructions
for puntees:
•
Sit in punt
• Eat
• Shout ‘helpful’ instructions to punter
• Shout ‘helpful’ instructions to other river users e.g. "Please
can you get out of the way!"
• Occasionally try to steer the craft yourself by frantically
dipping your hands in the water and paddling like mad.
• Don’t rock the boat.
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