I found this site selling push poles and it is local to me. Seems to
be a well thought gadget but I still have to get over my basic
cheapness before I pay $170 for basically a long stick.
http://www.skinnywaterproducts.com/
I've considered making my own by buying a piece of Al tubing from
"Metal Supermarkets" and making the Y end from two pieces of 3/4" ply
glued and glassed to make a 1.5" thick piece.
However, I think this guy at Skinnywater has done his thinking and
produced a good design, Even the cross section of the tubing is
optimized for stiffness. I kinda feel like I ought buy from him just
cuz I appreciate good design.