LukeyB, i have spare pipe. PM me when you're coming along and i'll cut you a piece.
I recommend golf clubs rather than ski poles, buy them from the sale at Sports Direct on Oxford Street - long reach (i.e. steel shafted woods) are good. They're a bitch to drill, but that's because they're tough, which is a plus. My tip is to sand the spot you want to drill, then use a hammer and nail to get a pilot point, then use a 2 or 3mm drill bit, then up to 4mm or 5mm.
thank you, very kind. where abouts do you play?