Punt Joust
Punt Joust 2011 took place on 19th June; booking for the 2012 event will open nearer the time on this page.
We are unique as the only people in the country (world?) to hold a regular punt jousting tournament. Traditionally, this was against OUSGG (Oxford), but now we challenge all comers from SSAGO at this ancient sport! It proved very popular when CUSAGC hosted SSAGO Rally in 2010, with the activity booking out in ten minutes and some 40 people chose the 'afternoon off' so they could watch. It's always watched by a crowd of locals, students and tourists too!
What is a punt joust?
Essentially it's a game where you attempt to knock your opponent off their punt! Punts are flat-bottomed, square-ended wooden boats, propelled by a punter with a 16 ft (4.9 m) pole standing at the rear, which are the traditional forms of river transport in Cambridge and Oxford. The punts are positioned in a wider and straighter part of the Cam, usually above the Mill Pond rollers and out of the way of the tourist traffic! The jouster stands at the front, with a jousting pole, and as the punters propel the punts towards each other both jousters try to knock their opponent off, into the water. It's a great chance to settle personal grudges! Three passes are allowed per jousting pair, one difficulty being that punts are hard to control with people struggling at one end! It is traditional that the winning jouster jumps into the water (or both, in the case of a draw)! We used to use our own punt but this was recently retired and we have not yet found a replacement. The punt joust is covered by rules which can only be modified at a General Meeting of the club.
When is it?
The Punt Joust is traditionally held on the Sunday at the start of Cambridge's May Week, which is in fact after the exams in June ('Suicide Sunday'). The weather is normally nice and warm, and spectators are treated to a barbecue. It's also the same weekend as our Garden Party, allowing ex-members of the club to return to Cambridge for the occasion.
Can I see some more?
Of course! There are plenty of pictures in our photo gallery (from 2011, 2008 and 2007). 2009 and 2010 photos are currently only on Facebook. Also, check out the videos below!
Punt Joust 2009
Punt Joust 2007, vs OUSGG (Oxford Scout and Guide Group)
Can I join in?
If you are a member of CUSAGC, SSAGO or Cambridgshire Scout Network, you can participate. Contact ssago [at] cusagc.org.uk for more details; nearer the time participants can sign up via this page. Unfortunately nobody else is covered by our insurance. Similarly, we are unable to lend out our punt jousting equipment to anyone not involved in SSAGO or local Scouting and Guiding. If you are intending to participate, please check the terms and conditions below.
Is it safe?
All these things are relative, but essentially yes it is safe, as long as you can swim a little! The Cam is moderately shallow (but deep enough to be safe to fall into) and narrow where we hold the punt joust, the punt joust poles and the punts themselves around the jouster are padded, and the participants wear helmets in case they hit their head in the water. It has been fully risk-assessed, and a trained first aider is always on hand. The instructions of marshals are followed by all participants and the event is dry (except for observers).