Will you be captain or capsized?Aisha Azizul for Varsity

Easter term is upon us, and so is the time to get down to the river for a revision break or a cool-off! With summer comes the promise of gorgeous weather, an influx of tourists, and of course, punting. Though it’s a fun thing to do all year round, something about getting on the water in summer just hits different.

So, it’s time to discover what’s most important – what kind of punter are you?

Now that the sun is finally out, where do you find yourself spending most of your time outside?

A: Anywhere with a good dose of nature, preferably next to a river to watch the world go by. The backs or Grantchester meadows are calling your name.

B: You’ll head outside to smell the flowers, but only if someone else has put down a picnic blanket so you don’t have to sit on the grass directly…

C: You like to pop outside every once in a while, just to feel the sun on your skin and photosynthesise for a bit.

D: Outside? What’s that? Too many bugs and not enough books to tempt you.

You want a cheeky treat while on the river – what do you go for?

A: Something tasty but definitely not alcoholic – pissed and punting does not mix.

B: Did someone say Pimm’s punt? They didn’t? Never mind, you’ll go for it anyway.

C: You’ll have whatever’s been brought along: booze, juice, it doesn’t matter as long as it’s refreshing.

D: You don’t have time to drink, you have to concentrate on fighting the river – it’s out to get you!

The best thing about being on a punt is the wildlife – what’s your favourite thing to see on the river?

A: All of it! The river is your home, and you couldn’t possibly pick a favourite part of the wildlife.

B: The ducklings!! They’re so cute, you’d love to just pick one up and take it home if it weren’t for the ethical issues…

C: The people. It’s lovely seeing students and tourists having fun, so it’s great to people-watch along the river when you can.

D: Anything but the geese… you’re way too likely to hit one by accident and they’re terrifying when angry!

You see a bridge coming up – what’s your immediate reaction?

A: No reaction, there’s nothing to worry about! You might even be able to help that tourist boat that’s gotten stuck as you go through.

B: Sit back and watch, it’s not your problem. You might try to catch anything the tourists drop from the bridge instead…

C: Panic a little but keep your cool, you’ve got this. Your friends are providing support from the backseat!

D: No matter what you do, you’re going sideways… and yup, you just fell in. Oops!

You’re coming to the end of your punt trip and it’s got you feeling some type of way…

A: Refreshed and rejuvenated. That was just what you needed and you can’t wait to do it again!

B: More than a little bit tipsy…

C: Pretty proud of yourself! You managed a successful punt, and you’ve got plans to go again sometime.

D: You’re a ball of stress. If you ever step foot on a punt again, you might cry.

If you answered mostly As:

You’re a punting pro. No matter what the Cam throws at you; from a tourist on their first punt, to ducks and their ducklings, you navigate the waters with ease. We could all do with you on our trips to the river!

If you answered mostly Bs:

You’re a punting princess. Never the punter, always the puntee, you get to sit back and relax as the wildlife goes by. That doesn’t mean you don’t bring the moral support though! More importantly, you get to bring and drink the booze…

If you answered mostly Cs:

You’re a happy-go-lucky punter. Always up for a good time on the river, you’re plenty happy to punt or be punted. You’ve definitely got some skills (bar a few bridge mishaps) and you can laugh about them afterwards anyhow. Positive vibes; you carry your pole with pride.

If you answered mostly Ds:


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Mountain View

What kind of studier are you?

Punt at your peril. Under no circumstances should you be allowed anywhere near the river, for your own safety and others’. Even the ducks know that your boat is the one best avoided. Even so, when you inevitably fall in the river, it makes for a good story!