Cheers for the input guy's
I will post a photo but just got back from the beach

and can't be bothered tonight
The drilling from the side sounds like an answer but we might give the rod a go and see how we go. looking at it it looks pretty steep.
Its 1.2m high and 3m long with a fair old kick in it so I guess we will get it in the water and see what happens. Whatever happens its a start anyway.
Could be a few bruises after our first run I reckon.