Troubleshooting

Chauffer driven by a duck?

Q. What if I lose my pole?
A. Don’t panic, poles are usually wooden and by the laws of physics will float. You can then use the PADDLE (helpfully and perceptively supplied with the punt) to steer the punt back to the pole. If bored, you can also use the paddle for splashing other people. Only do this if you know the splashee though.

Q. Why am I going round in circles?
A. You are probably dropping the pole too far AWAY from the punt, try to drop it close to the craft and slightly behind where you are standing.

Q. Why am I going backwards?
A. You are probably dropping the pole in front of where you are standing. Therefore when you push you will move backwards.

Q. Why am I going so slowly?
A. Try pushing a bit harder.

Q. What if the pole gets stuck?
A. First try twisting the pole to free up the metal prongs on the end of it. If this fails let go. This decision needs to be made quickly!

NB. When pushing on the pole, use it as a lever to make sure the punt is going in the correct direction.

Remember:Punting is not as easy as it looks. If you are in any doubt, you may prefer to hire a chauffered punt. If you do decide to do-it-yourself, please respect the river and the colleges and remember that during term time, students are often studying or taking exams so try to keep the noise down!

How wet did you get? E-mail your punting stories or pictures to cambridgeshire@bbc.co.uk