CUSAGC 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, hopefully it'll be the same when CUSAGC host summer rally again in 2018. It's always watched by a crowd of locals, students and tourists too!
This year all comers from SSAGO are welcome to compete in the joust on June 17th 10:00-15:00 on the river Cam at Lammas Land, Cambridge . It will make great practice for next years rally.
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.
We'll be asking those who are going out on the river to make a small contribution towards punt rental which will be roughly £2.50 depending on final turnout payable on the day.
There will be barbecues available for cooking on during the day (clubs/individuals to organise their own food) and the venue has a free car park and showers. All participants will need to bring a change of clothes and a towel unless they want a wet ride home. Should participants plan on staying in Cambridge before or after the punt joust please contact aru[at]cusagc.org.uk and we will be able to direct you towards places to stay.
There is more information on our website or you can see some old jousts on youtube here.
If you experience any issues in the booking process, please contact webmaster@ssago.org.