Punting refers to boating in a punt, which is a flat bottomed boat designed for use in small rivers or other shallow water. Punting is a quintessentially English tradition dating from 1860 and it is only available in Oxford, Cambridge and Durham. The first punts were built as small cargo boats or platforms for fishermen, but they were soon used for recreation.

Punts. Image used with kind permission from Shane Hicks.

Punting is hilariously good fun, and much harder than it looks. The basic technique is to shove the boat along with a pole by pushing directly on the bed of the river.  Keeping the boat going in the right direction and avoiding collisions with the river bank and other boats can be a challenge.  It is possible and most people get the hang of it after a few minutes, although you should leave your dignity at home and be prepared for a wet sleeve!

The other option is to be a passenger and sip champagne while watching your friends trying to control the boat.

Punting in Oxford

In Oxford we punt on the River Isis (our own fancy name for the River Thames) and the River Cherwell.  If you join us for punting at OLX we’ll provide you a glimpse of our rural county and the chance to experience true tranquillity.  Our route flows through Oxford’s beautiful fields and woods, where you’ll get a feel for life outside the city limits.