I did not know that. I myself am in PDR. Redondo is a "almost always" on the bike and a "hot damn I'm cruizin'" on the 'board. I will warn you. It's a longboard. Worse than that, it's a pintail. Worse than that, it's an Arbor. Still worse, I stand-up paddle. So ride next to me and be virtually assured of mockery from Will Rogers to Torrance.
The only time I've used a pole it was a simply a big ass stick. I wish I had a photo of me using it but alas, I only seem to have this one. Have you ever been stand up paddle boarding on the ocean? That is one of the greatest things ever.
We have two down on the boat in RB. You and the wife and child are more than welcome to use them whenever. It's a lot more fun when kids are a bit older and can really understand all the sea life. Watching a 5 year old discover seals or sea slugs or seaweed is a really fun experience. "It barks like a dog but it looks like a whale! I don't know what to do with myself!"
The first time I started to truly warm up to the idea of children was at the Monterey Aquarium. I was having a killer time but I realized I'd be having a more killer time with a kid around… Thanks for the offer. Might take you up one of these days...
No, those things are dork-tastic as hell. I built my own pole based on some of the findings of the Silverfish guys. It cost me like $25. I ride a Pin Bamboo. Kahuna's boards are like, amazingly shit. The trucks are loose, the bearings are crap, the wheels aren't round and the board itself is like a 2x4. They're really crappy and uber-expensive for what you get. Arbor costs, like, a lot but they're made in San Diego, their headquarters is a short bike ride away in Venice and they're about the most eco-conscious skate/snow company out there.