The best and least expensive wading staff is a broomstick. They only cost a couple of dollars at your local hardware store, or maybe your basement or garage has one. Drill a 1/4' hole near the top of the broom stick and attach a piece or 1/4" rope. tie the rope to your wading staff. Broomsticks are strong, cheap, they float and come in many sizes. You don't need to worry about breaking it or losing it because they are readily available. I've been using broomsticks for a wading staff forever.