punting techniques
Stand sideways to the edge of the punt, looking forwards. Place the feet one in front of the other.
2. Bringing the pole up
Bring the pole up alongside the punt, hand over hand, until it is almost vertical and entirely clear of the water and hold it as straight as possible in the horizontal plane. Angle it slightly back in the vertical plane; if dropped too vertically it may be difficult to propel the punt forwards.
3. The pole drop
Shift your weight over your front leg, open your hands and let the pole drop through them until it hits the bottom of the river. Grip the pole with both hands and push it against the river bottom feeding your hands up the pole as the punt moves forwards.
4. Punting technique
The stroke part 1
As you push transfer your weight from your front leg to your rear leg. By the end of the stroke your hands should be near the top end of the pole, which should be roughly 30° from the vertical.
The stroke part 2
Is a preparation for steering: at the end of the stroke the pole will float naturally off the river bottom and rise to the surface. You can now let your weight stablise evenly between both legs.This is the perfect position to admire the scenery and begin thinking about steering.
5. Steering
The easiest way to steer is to use the pole when it is behind you like a rudder. Using your body as a pivot, sweep the submerged part of the pole through the water to your right to turn the punt to the right, and through the water to the left to turn left.