Smooth surface of pole found on the coast (7)
I believe the answer is:
sandbar
'smooth surface' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both natural objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'pole found on the coast' is the wordplay.
'pole' becomes 'bar' (both can mean a metal rod).
'found on' says to put letters next to each other.
'the coast' becomes 'sand' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'bar' put after 'sand' is 'SANDBAR'.
'of' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Another definition for sandbar that I've seen is " Danger for sailors".)