in a practice race last week my hot stick slipped, i twisted it to tighten and it rotated 'past the cam' and slid out a lot more, all this while i was trying to bear away behind a laser. crunch! it was ugly. ok it was an old stick, i have broken two others. i move around on the tramp a lot and often put my weight on the stick. now i'm using a bamboo pole- i know it wont slip! the question is, what are some reliable alternatives to the hotstick?

There is a long thread on this subject. Title is "Telescoping Tiller Extensions." You can find it by using the Search feature at the top of this page. Maybe you will find some answers in that thread.

Use aluminum. APS now sells carbon fiber sticks with great warranties.

yes - but remember that sticks that conduct electricity (which includes aluminum and carbon fiber) are not Hobie class legal.