I think people have misconceptions about Enfield as a whole.
Like many place in London, it has good and shit areas. If you are on the side of Enfield town/Oakwood it is quite a pleasant suburb. Once you go past Enfield town towards Edmonton, Ponders End, Enfield Lock, then yeah no doubt it is a shit hole.
In terms of punting, I think the only notable experiences I've had in Enfield were Sweet+Kinky Nicole and her flatmate Natalie when they were both based close to Enfield Chase Station.