The Punting Olympics

Our Punting Relay Race on the Cam

The Punting Olympics: A Cambridge Relay Like No Other

In homage to a tradition that dates back to 776 BC, we are celebrating the 2024 Olympics: Cambridge style. There will be new sports to keep an eye out for in the Paris Olympics such as breakdancing, kayak cross and kiteboarding – read more here. But let’s imagine a world where punting makes its way into the Olympics itinerary. Now, what on earth would that look like…

Ladies and gentlemen, for your viewing pleasure, we bring you The Punting Olympics! We gathered some of our best punting chauffeurs on the River Cam to determine once and for all, who are the fastest tour guides that Cambridge has to offer. And the results are in.

How We Organised the Punting Olympics

To bring our Punting Olympics to life, we assembled two teams, each with three expert chauffeurs, and divided the River Cam into three segments for a relay race. But instead of traditional batons, we had two enthusiastic “human batons” on each team. Our head of marketing and a dedicated cashier took on the role of these crucial “batons.” They bravely jumped from one punt to another at each leg, ensuring the race continued smoothly. Their daring leaps across the punts added an extra thrill to the event, with the ever-present risk of falling into the River Cam—a risk they took with enthusiasm and commitment!

 

Grace praying she doesn't fall in

In the high-stakes world of our Punting Olympics, another key challenge was the ever-present risk of dropping the punting pole into the river. Every experienced chauffeur knows the feeling—when the pole gets stuck in the riverbed’s cobblestones and mud, leaving the boat to drift away. We fully expected that in the heat of competition, at least one pole would plunge into the River Cam’s waters. As you’ll see, the results were as thrilling and nail-biting as we anticipated, with every second counting.

Long shot of relay race punting on the River Cam with a pole being dropped in the river

A pole being dropped in the heat of the race

What Makes a Fast Chauffeur?

Height certainly plays a role in determining a fast chauffeur, but speed isn’t the sole measure of skill. It’s important to note that a fast punter doesn’t automatically make for a great chauffeur. When you book a punting tour, the focus isn’t on speed; it’s about providing a serene, informative, and enjoyable experience. Our chauffeurs prioritise delivering a memorable and relaxed journey down the river, ensuring you feel valued and un-rushed. Whether they can punt at high speeds is irrelevant to the quality of a chauffeured punting experience.

Traditional Punting Company chauffeur Cameron standing on the boat on the River Cam

A glamerous shot of chauffeur Cameron

But in the high-octane setting of a relay race, conventional punting norms are set aside. Two of our most experienced and notably tall chauffeurs, Matt and Cam, joined opposing teams, making them pivotal figures to watch. Their height and expertise promised to add a competitive edge to the event. However, the success of each team didn’t rest solely on these two; every member played a crucial role. Victory could hinge on various factors—intimate knowledge of the River Cam’s nuances, team dynamics, accumulated practice, or even just the sheer determination of who woke up that morning ready to seize the prize

The Race: The Ultimate Punting Showdown

We’ve kept you in suspense long enough! Now that you’re equipped with all the insider details, it’s time to watch the Punting Olympics unfold. With everything you know, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the skills and strategies at play. Enjoy the excitement!

 

And there you have it—the 2024 Punting Olympics. Would you tune in for a rematch in 2028? Who knows, maybe by 2044, punting could even become an official Olympic sport. Well, probably not—but it’s fun to dream!

All in All: A Celebration of Team Spirit

A huge thank you to our amazing staff for their dedication and enthusiasm. They went the extra mile, coming in early to ensure the event was a success. Follow us on Instagram to see more of our team and stay updated on exclusive deals.

Book Your Tour and Meet the Stars

Experience Cambridge like never before—book a punting tour and you might just be guided by one of our Punting Olympics stars. Whether you choose a private or shared tour, you’re in for an unforgettable journey along the River Cam. And don’t forget to check out the 2024 Paris Olympic schedule—we’ll be watching too!


Posted on July 26th, 2024, by the Traditional Punting Company Editor