Punting on the Isis (Thames)
- August 20, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Rockyhorror1978 from St Catharines, Ontario
I remember punting with my Dad when I was kid and visiting England. It was part of the best memories I have... slowly moving down the Thames River, passing Nudist Colonies (while Gran covered my eyes), gliding by swans and other river fowl. So I decided when I took my boyfriend (for the first time) to Oxford, we would rent a punt and have equally as much fun. Punting is a lot of fun, if you know what you are doing. Similar to directing a Gondola in Venice, you stand at the back of the punt and use a long stick to direct where you want to go. Unfortunately we had no idea what we were doing and didn't get very far. We did however manage to disturb numerous water fowl, nearly crash into the Oxford women's rowing team and make the locals laugh (hysterically). If you have a few extra hours and are willing to experience something new, this is the activity for you. If you are good at punting, it's a great way to see the back of the colleges and enjoy the fresh air. Pack a lunch and eat it while floating down the Thames in true English style. If you're not a great punter, have a good laugh at your own expense and have fun. Who knows, you might be able to steal my title as the "punting c*#t."
From journal Oxford: The City in Spires
Punting on the Isis
- December 4, 2002
- Rated 4 of 5 by
meadowlark from Boston, Massachusetts
Punting is an Oxford tradition. Most colleges own punts for their students and Trinity term (mid-April to mid-June) is when you will see most students out on the water.
Punts are long flat boats that are propelled by pushing a long pole against the river bed (the Isis - Oxonian name for the Thames - is rather shallow here) while standing in the back of the boat. Punts are designed for a leisurely pace, so relax and enjoy a slower pace of life! The passengers (the punt will easily hold four to six people plus the punter) lounge on cushions in the middle and front of the boat. Bringing along a picnic is always a good idea or cheese, biscuits (crackers), and wine, if you want to be truly oxonian.
The main difference between the two rental places is the location where one punts from. From Magdalen Bridge one can head south all the way to the crew boathouses and Foley Bridge, while from the Cherwell Boathouse (located a 25 minute walk north of the city center in north Oxford) one can punt past the university parks - less crowded and very picturesque. Pick the former if you are tired of walking and the latter if you are up for an adventure. The Magdalen Bridge boathouse also has the option of paying a pro to punt you for ~$30/hr., while the Cherwell Boathouse has an elegant restaurant with outdoor seating for nice evenings which will cost you $30 for a three-course meal.
From journal Only in Oxford