I have had a mixed start to punting. The annoying bit is that it means I have to wait until I have the money to try again.
I have also tended to go for local girls to where I live and that has been a big mistake. They are either overpriced or just lie about what they do. I wanted to avoid the cities (I cannot entertain) just for the inconvenience.
I saw punting as a bucket list and not as a hobby. I am now controlling my urges and looking into it more. I have to wait anyway - I've blown my punting budget!
It was like this: I was surrounded by bad beer and got drunk on it, instead of looking for the good stuff and enjoying it. Now I have a hangover and no beer money left. I will sober up, wait and start again. And if I see a beer I like, I will go back for more...