How to Get Around in a Punt
Hire a punt., Stand at the stern of the boat., To lift the pole, raise your right hand and allow the pole to slide through your left hand., Angle the pole so that it is pointing slightly underneath the boat, then throw it downwards, allowing it to...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Hire a punt.
A punt is usually supplied with a pole, seat cushions, and a small paddle (for emergency use only).
If selecting a pole yourself, hold it upright and spin it around to check that it is straight. -
Step 2: Stand at the stern of the boat.
Stand as close to the end as possible and facing to one side.
Grip the pole with both hands, holding it vertically and with one end in the water.
If you are right-handed, your right hand should be below your left.
Ensure that the pole is the correct way up: the bottom end will often have a 'shoe' on it to grip the river bed, which is occasionally mistaken for a handle. , At the same time, bring your left hand downwards to meet the right.
When your hands are close together, reverse the action: lift with your left hand whilst sliding your right hand downwards.
Repeat until the pole is clear of the water. , Do not attempt to lower it gently, as it tends to float. , Pass it through your hands as if you were trying to climb up it. ,,, The pole can now be used like a tiller for steering.
If you swing the top end of the pole to the left, the punt will turn to the right and vice versa. ,, -
Step 3: To lift the pole
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Step 4: raise your right hand and allow the pole to slide through your left hand.
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Step 5: Angle the pole so that it is pointing slightly underneath the boat
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Step 6: then throw it downwards
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Step 7: allowing it to slide through your hands.
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Step 8: When the pole hits the river bed
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Step 9: tighten your grip and begin to push downwards.
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Step 10: Once your hands have reached the top of the pole
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Step 11: bend down to give a final shove.
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Step 12: If the river bed feels soft
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Step 13: give the pole a slight twist to release it from the mud.
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Step 14: Stand upright and allow the pole to trail behind you.
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Step 15: Prepare for the next stroke by lifting the pole out of the water in the manner described above
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Step 16: gradually rotating it back to vertical at the same time.
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Step 17: Repeat this cycle a few times per minute to keep the punt moving.
Detailed Guide
A punt is usually supplied with a pole, seat cushions, and a small paddle (for emergency use only).
If selecting a pole yourself, hold it upright and spin it around to check that it is straight.
Stand as close to the end as possible and facing to one side.
Grip the pole with both hands, holding it vertically and with one end in the water.
If you are right-handed, your right hand should be below your left.
Ensure that the pole is the correct way up: the bottom end will often have a 'shoe' on it to grip the river bed, which is occasionally mistaken for a handle. , At the same time, bring your left hand downwards to meet the right.
When your hands are close together, reverse the action: lift with your left hand whilst sliding your right hand downwards.
Repeat until the pole is clear of the water. , Do not attempt to lower it gently, as it tends to float. , Pass it through your hands as if you were trying to climb up it. ,,, The pole can now be used like a tiller for steering.
If you swing the top end of the pole to the left, the punt will turn to the right and vice versa. ,,
About the Author
Ronald Sullivan
A passionate writer with expertise in creative arts topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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