Monopod recommendations?

[Frank1954]

Hi: I'm new here so please forgive me if I am trodding on old ground. My problem: I own a Nikon D90 and several Nikon lenses. I purchased a Gitzo tripod and a Really Right Stuff ballhead but upon consulting several pros, have discovered that I should purchase a monopod/ballhead for the type of photography I like which is angling action photos - most shot while standing in salt water. I looked around an saw that RRS offers both in graphite, and Gitzo also has a graphite model but that vendor only offers Manfrotto monopod ball heads.
I have to order via the web so can't compare/contrast easily. Any comments on this or other suggestions? The saltwater is really hard on everything hence my tendancy to hedge toward graphite.
Forgot .... the biggest lens I envision using would be a 400mm, F4.

Thanks for comments/suggestions.

[Dudley Watson]

I use a Go-Trek monopod. The last 12" may be splayed into a tripod or (via a hook and loop strap) not. The apparatis comes with it's own carring case to be field assembled. Put a head of your choice on top, and 'viula', start shooting! Hope this helps.

[Harpo]

Ive read about stainless steel tripods that are used by photographers who typically place their tripods in salt water for pics... dont know if they have a SS monopod version. Seems like thats the kind of material you want to start with?

[Sam Smith]

Being a old sailor, aluminum is used both above and below the water line in boats. The biggest trick is to clean with fresh water once you have finished with it for the day. You should not see any effects for several years then it will show up as pitting. if you glue a piece of zinc on the side toward the middle ( it needs to be in the water) it may even last a life time.

[rpcrowe]

Here's an idea which you might consider. Get a 1" wooden rod and attach a 1/4" or 3/8 inch bolt to the top by drilling a hole wide enough for the bolt head and using a cement to attach the bolt. Use a Kirk Enterprises monopod head ( http://www.kirkphoto.com/Monopod-Heads.html ). OR you could so virtually the same thing with a hickory walking stick or even with a 1" PVC piping.

You couldn't break the "monopod" down or change the height but, it should be impervious to any kind of water damage...

[Loose Canon]

Either I'm missing something or I'm just merely hopelessly cheap!

I have a good tripod/ball head, which means I have have a built-in monopod.