Stand sideways to the edge of the punt, looking forwards. If you are left-handed it is probably easier to punt off the left side (looking forwards) and off the opposite side if you are right-handed.

The feet should be placed one in front of the other, at an angle of 45° to 90° to the front of the punt. The aim is to point the hips forward along the length of the punt, allowing you to punt without twisting your back excessively.

Bring the pole up alongside the punt, hand over hand, until it is almost vertical and entirely clear of the water.

At the end of this manoeuvre the pole should be held as straight as possible in the horizontal plane, so that it can be dropped straight alongside the punt. However, it should be angled slightly back in the vertical plane; if dropped too vertically it may be difficult to propel the punt forwards.

Shift your weight over your front leg, open your hands and let the pole drop through them until it hits the bottom of the river.

Grip the pole with both hands and push it against the river bottom feeding your hands up the pole as the punt moves forwards.

As you push through the stroke transfer your weight from your front leg to your rear leg. However, don't lean all of your weight onto the pole at this point in case you fall in!

By the end of the stroke your hands should be near the top end of the pole, which should be roughly 30° from the vertical.

At the end of the stroke the pole will float naturally off the river bottom and rise to the surface. You can now let your weight stablise evenly between both legs.

This is the perfect position to admire the scenery and begin thinking about steering.

The easiest way to steer is to use the pole when it is behind you like a rudder.

Using your body as a pivot, sweep the submerged part of the pole through the water to your right to turn the punt to the right, and through the water to the left to turn left.