Forums > Kitesurfing General

Best vehicle for kitesurfing?

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Created by Alysum > 9 months ago, 27 Apr 2019
Youngbreezy
WA, 937 posts
30 Apr 2019 12:19PM
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I have an X-Trail which I think is the most sensible car I have ever owned.

Sturdy, affordable, reliable, nice medium size, still a good city car but also good on the hwy and can do basic off-road. The designer's have done a lot to maximize the amount of space inside so good for storing gear, I can actually fit 2 sups and 2 people inside ( passenger behind the driver).

If I was to change up i would consider getting a Hyundai i-load and put a big lockable box in the back that also works as a bed base.

I would love to have a big lockable cage that would make it extra difficult for people to nick my gear. I hate having thousands of $$$ of gear visible in the back of the wagon only protected by glass.

Another awesome option if you want to get more serious off-road would be a 4wd ute with big metal tradies canopy and rooftop tent, this would make a great self contained off-road camper.

Alysum
NSW, 1024 posts
30 Apr 2019 5:05PM
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Youngbreezy said..
I have an X-Trail which I think is the most sensible car I have ever owned.

Sturdy, affordable, reliable, nice medium size, still a good city car but also good on the hwy and can do basic off-road. The designer's have done a lot to maximize the amount of space inside so good for storing gear, I can actually fit 2 sups and 2 people inside ( passenger behind the driver).

If I was to change up i would consider getting a Hyundai i-load and put a big lockable box in the back that also works as a bed base.

I would love to have a big lockable cage that would make it extra difficult for people to nick my gear. I hate having thousands of $$$ of gear visible in the back of the wagon only protected by glass.

Another awesome option if you want to get more serious off-road would be a 4wd ute with big metal tradies canopy and rooftop tent, this would make a great self contained off-road camper.


That's why you get tinted windows at the back and no windows on the side... Or put some curtains up ;-)

tightlines
WA, 3461 posts
30 Apr 2019 9:20PM
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Alysum said..


Youngbreezy said..
I have an X-Trail which I think is the most sensible car I have ever owned.

Sturdy, affordable, reliable, nice medium size, still a good city car but also good on the hwy and can do basic off-road. The designer's have done a lot to maximize the amount of space inside so good for storing gear, I can actually fit 2 sups and 2 people inside ( passenger behind the driver).

If I was to change up i would consider getting a Hyundai i-load and put a big lockable box in the back that also works as a bed base.

I would love to have a big lockable cage that would make it extra difficult for people to nick my gear. I hate having thousands of $$$ of gear visible in the back of the wagon only protected by glass.

Another awesome option if you want to get more serious off-road would be a 4wd ute with big metal tradies canopy and rooftop tent, this would make a great self contained off-road camper.




That's why you get tinted windows at the back and no windows on the side... Or put some curtains up ;-)




I loved my old Nissan GQ wagon so much as a kitesurfing vehicle that when it finally died after half a million ks 9a lot of which was beach and tracks0 I replaced it with a Nissan GU wagon.

I sometimes sleep in it and instead of curtains I purchased some solar screens, they are brilliant.

Not only do they stop people from seeing all of your kiting gear (most of which is stashed under my bed anyway) they keep the temperature right down.

The centre console fridge was a pretty need addition too.





THE PIN PULLER
WA, 465 posts
1 May 2019 8:43AM
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Select to expand quote
tightlines said..

Alysum said..



Youngbreezy said..
I have an X-Trail which I think is the most sensible car I have ever owned.

Sturdy, affordable, reliable, nice medium size, still a good city car but also good on the hwy and can do basic off-road. The designer's have done a lot to maximize the amount of space inside so good for storing gear, I can actually fit 2 sups and 2 people inside ( passenger behind the driver).

If I was to change up i would consider getting a Hyundai i-load and put a big lockable box in the back that also works as a bed base.

I would love to have a big lockable cage that would make it extra difficult for people to nick my gear. I hate having thousands of $$$ of gear visible in the back of the wagon only protected by glass.

Another awesome option if you want to get more serious off-road would be a 4wd ute with big metal tradies canopy and rooftop tent, this would make a great self contained off-road camper.





That's why you get tinted windows at the back and no windows on the side... Or put some curtains up ;-)





I loved my old Nissan GQ wagon so much as a kitesurfing vehicle that when it finally died after half a million ks 9a lot of which was beach and tracks0 I replaced it with a Nissan GU wagon.

I sometimes sleep in it and instead of curtains I purchased some solar screens, they are brilliant.

Not only do they stop people from seeing all of your kiting gear (most of which is stashed under my bed anyway) they keep the temperature right down.

The centre console fridge was a pretty need addition too.







But surly needing a Toyota to tow you everywhere gets frustrating:-)

Alysum
NSW, 1024 posts
1 May 2019 11:15AM
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Select to expand quote
tightlines said..

Alysum said..



Youngbreezy said..
I have an X-Trail which I think is the most sensible car I have ever owned.

Sturdy, affordable, reliable, nice medium size, still a good city car but also good on the hwy and can do basic off-road. The designer's have done a lot to maximize the amount of space inside so good for storing gear, I can actually fit 2 sups and 2 people inside ( passenger behind the driver).

If I was to change up i would consider getting a Hyundai i-load and put a big lockable box in the back that also works as a bed base.

I would love to have a big lockable cage that would make it extra difficult for people to nick my gear. I hate having thousands of $$$ of gear visible in the back of the wagon only protected by glass.

Another awesome option if you want to get more serious off-road would be a 4wd ute with big metal tradies canopy and rooftop tent, this would make a great self contained off-road camper.





That's why you get tinted windows at the back and no windows on the side... Or put some curtains up ;-)





I loved my old Nissan GQ wagon so much as a kitesurfing vehicle that when it finally died after half a million ks 9a lot of which was beach and tracks0 I replaced it with a Nissan GU wagon.

I sometimes sleep in it and instead of curtains I purchased some solar screens, they are brilliant.

Not only do they stop people from seeing all of your kiting gear (most of which is stashed under my bed anyway) they keep the temperature right down.

The centre console fridge was a pretty need addition too.







Clearly you need to upgrade to a van ;-) look how cramped everything is !

Main
QLD, 2325 posts
1 May 2019 2:59PM
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A Lamborghini




Waveswindy
NSW, 114 posts
1 May 2019 4:56PM
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We are in a very similar position mate... Hatchback and single but not enough space for all the toys!

I am going to sell my vw (never keep a German out of warranty! $$$) and buy something Japanese / Korean. I was looking at Subaru outback also but less warranty that Kia and also X2 year servicing required.

95% made the decision to buy Kia Sorento. Lots of space, 7 year warranty, economical (diesel) and drive is very comfortable.

Alysum
NSW, 1024 posts
2 May 2019 5:10PM
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EugeneZA said..
We are in a very similar position mate... Hatchback and single but not enough space for all the toys!

I am going to sell my vw (never keep a German out of warranty! $$$) and buy something Japanese / Korean. I was looking at Subaru outback also but less warranty that Kia and also X2 year servicing required.

95% made the decision to buy Kia Sorento. Lots of space, 7 year warranty, economical (diesel) and drive is very comfortable.


Don't forget that most Japanese/SEA cars needs servicing every 6 months and European cars every 12 months so YMMV.

drsurf
NSW, 177 posts
2 May 2019 9:58PM
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Get a Toyota of some kind that suits you. Secondhand in good nick is fine. Reliable, parts and service everywhere in Australia, OEM & aftermarket, no matter how remote. Resale is also good as you'll find if you're looking for a decent secondhand model.

MikeyG
WA, 156 posts
2 May 2019 9:10PM
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I've got a Subaru Outback (2016) and it's been great for kiting. It's been on the odd beach and fits all my gear in and on occasion a couple of kids and the wife.

Only issue I had was a **** battery after three years.

The twice yearly servicing is a bit of a pain - but I believe they're moving them to 12 monthly (the XV has).

KiteAddicted
59 posts
5 May 2019 3:13AM
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Hi just wanted to throw in the option of a roof box as a cheaper upgrade for space. I can lock my car key in there so only the roof box key goes on the water. There are two sides to open if rust ever becomes a concern. Any remaining gear is well protected since it has three points that lock per side. It's great for storing non kiting gear holidays (is it possible?!).one caution is to research leaving gear up there when it is hot. For me not an issue as usually not windy when hot.

djt91184
QLD, 1211 posts
5 May 2019 9:39AM
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Bloody ell some quality problems around here...A car that gets you to the beach and back preferable if the windows still wind down to get some wind through my luscious locks

pgc
VIC, 883 posts
6 May 2019 7:34AM
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It drives up side down!!

Alysum
NSW, 1024 posts
6 May 2019 10:51AM
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Other options I'm looking at are a single cab 4x4 pickup (Toyota Hilux extra cab SR, Mazda BT50 Freestyle etc...) - they would take me straight to beaches. They don't have good fuel economy though and securing load is problematic.

MDSXR6T
WA, 1019 posts
6 May 2019 10:39AM
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Triton? I always thought mitsubishi's were bit **** but i bought a triton brand new in late 2015 for $29,750 and i've now done 115k kms and and pretty much visited most 4wd kite or fishing spots between Perth and Exmouth and other than the rear suspension being replaced under warranty at 95k its been fautless. Shark Bay last month i averaged 9l/100km loaded and i just have the usual snorkel, bash plates, 32's, dual battery and awning setup.

This was the reason for the rear suspension issue though but 2 days later it was parked up on the beach near port gregory for kiting



Alysum
NSW, 1024 posts
6 May 2019 2:14PM
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The main issue with pickups is they are 99% double cab which isn't long enough for loading surfboards in the back....

Alysum
NSW, 1024 posts
7 May 2019 2:07PM
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hmmm I read that pickups cargo leaks in rain. anyway they are far too big to park in the eastern suburbs and drink too much fuel. So I am back to the Suby Outback me thinks for that little bit of offroad over a small van. Decisions decisions !

eppo
WA, 9366 posts
7 May 2019 2:22PM
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Alysum said..
The main issue with pickups is they are 99% double cab which isn't long enough for loading surfboards in the back....



Get my 6'6 easily in the back of my Triton tray with a canopy. Anything bigger should just go on the roof I suppose.

I've currently got a 6'6, a 6 foot foamy, a 5'2 performance board, a 5 foot Kitefoil Amos board with the mast attached and the fuselage with wings still attached.

And a big wet box. This also includes kites, but not today.

Surfs up today lads....

AndreC
WA, 512 posts
7 May 2019 4:11PM
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Alysum said..
My hatchback isn't cutting it these days when I store 3/4 kites + board + foil.

Looking for recommendations on a car/van with:
- ample boot space
- good security/hard to break in
- fast enough on motorway
- reasonable ground clearance
- don't care about passengers (I'm single )

I was initially looking at Subaru Outback as they have a large boot and can sort of go on rough roads.

Or modify a Toyota Hiace?

Or?

Thanks


I have an Outback had few different ones for last 10 years. Its a do everything car.

FormulaNova
WA, 14033 posts
7 May 2019 5:02PM
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When on holiday I rented a Corolla hatch to use when kiting. I was surprised at how good it was. I could fit boards behind me, kites all over the place, and still have room for a front seat passenger. I never cared for them in the past, but with all the gear in there easily, plus 6.7L/100Km, it was pretty good.

Chris_M
2128 posts
7 May 2019 5:17PM
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After exploding the trusty Hilux Surf a fortnight ago I am pretty happy with my Mistubishi Outlander.

A bit of a soccer mom car but pretty handy offroad (nothing too mental though, obviously) and much more comfy and economical than the old gal. Get 7L per 100K (website claims 6.2L) and has an epic stereo. The seats all fold down so can fit heaps of gear. Tows the caravan like a dream.

And the best bit is the electronic key fob has a detachable metal key which can fit in my wettie like a normal old skool key!!! Major selling point!!!

Plummet
4862 posts
7 May 2019 6:59PM
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Yeah, you can fit surfboards in double cab ute trays. They do have to go on the angle. But they do fit in.
Latest double cab ute trays are 1500x1500. By the time you add tough deck and canopy that drops to 1450. But you can get close to 2000 on the angle.

My ute is sitting on 8.6 l/100 km. That's pretty darn good a massive vehicle. It would certainly eat ya subbie for economy.

Also my canopy does not leak, plus it central locks too. And I clean in the back when camping.... oh yeah. It is awesome.
The other advantage of the ute with a canopy over a van or people mover is that beach stink/wet wetsuit smell stays in the back.
Thats a big plus for the missis, You can also hose down and sweep out the tray when it gets dirty/sandy.

Alysum
NSW, 1024 posts
7 May 2019 11:25PM
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Plummet said..
Yeah, you can fit surfboards in double cab ute trays. They do have to go on the angle. But they do fit in.
Latest double cab ute trays are 1500x1500. By the time you add tough deck and canopy that drops to 1450. But you can get close to 2000 on the angle.

My ute is sitting on 8.6 l/100 km. That's pretty darn good a massive vehicle. It would certainly eat ya subbie for economy.

Also my canopy does not leak, plus it central locks too. And I clean in the back when camping.... oh yeah. It is awesome.
The other advantage of the ute with a canopy over a van or people mover is that beach stink/wet wetsuit smell stays in the back.
Thats a big plus for the missis, You can also hose down and sweep out the tray when it gets dirty/sandy.




Interesting. Is this your Isuzu Dmax?

I did some research and the single cabs (with a tiny back, called extra cab) would work but overall length is only about 170cm. But yeah fuel economy and parking in Sydney isn't ideal with those monster vehicles.

Now I saw the new Outback to be released next year has ruined my idea of getting a 2018 Outback even more of an off-roader and even more boot space!

MDSXR6T
WA, 1019 posts
7 May 2019 10:49PM
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I don't know if you'd call them an offroader but the outback is definitely a good car.

We spent a whole day test driving a bunch of SUV's back to back when my wife wanted a new car and they were nice. She ended up getting an X Trail at mates rates from a busselton dealer but most people are going to be happy with anything from Nissan or Subaru.

A low km MUX would be another good car as well?

I guess it all comes down to how much you want to spend.

Plummet
4862 posts
8 May 2019 2:36AM
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Yep i have a dmax. My 8.6ltr/100 is over 15000km includes city/open road driving beaches, fully packed road trips with a bike on the roof, to of box, 4 bikes on the back......

I have the 4wd auto 3lt turbo diesel.

I recon that is astoundingly good economy for the size of the vehicle. In a petrol car yours need to go a small 1600 ish to achieve those figures.

eppo
WA, 9366 posts
8 May 2019 1:35PM
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Plummet said..
Yeah, you can fit surfboards in double cab ute trays. They do have to go on the angle. But they do fit in.
Latest double cab ute trays are 1500x1500. By the time you add tough deck and canopy that drops to 1450. But you can get close to 2000 on the angle.

My ute is sitting on 8.6 l/100 km. That's pretty darn good a massive vehicle. It would certainly eat ya subbie for economy.

Also my canopy does not leak, plus it central locks too. And I clean in the back when camping.... oh yeah. It is awesome.
The other advantage of the ute with a canopy over a van or people mover is that beach stink/wet wetsuit smell stays in the back.
Thats a big plus for the missis, You can also hose down and sweep out the tray when it gets dirty/sandy.





Yeh agreed. Keeps all the crap in the back, it's lockable as well so better for insurance (because let's face it if they want to get your stuff they will).

Just hose it out now and then.

Best thing I did was layer it with that spray on stuff (whatever the hell its called?) instead of the usual plastic tray thingy that cracks and wears to line and protect the tray.

I wouldn't have anything but a double cab ute, except if I was single. Then it would be a single cab ute with a canopy...oh to dream...

Gazuki
WA, 1363 posts
8 May 2019 1:40PM
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Go the super cab,.. 1800 long tray, problem solved.







Plummet
4862 posts
8 May 2019 2:09PM
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Gazuki said..
Go the super cab,.. 1800 long tray, problem solved.








Recon you have 2 years of space cab in you and then yourl be upgrading to a double cab.

PS Your family weirdly have really long white father Christmas beards,

Gazuki
WA, 1363 posts
8 May 2019 3:04PM
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Plummet said..

Gazuki said..
Go the super cab,.. 1800 long tray, problem solved.








Recon you have 2 years of space cab in you and then yourl be upgrading to a double cab.

PS Your family weirdly have really long white father Christmas beards,


Never... I traveled back from Exy (1000km) in the back with no issues, ill be happy if that was my seat but it's not and my kids will do as I phucking tell them! Bahahaha. All jokes aside for the few times that I ride four deep its no issue, the benefits way outway the negatives.

As far as the white, I thought I would sheep'em up a bit for your satisfaction, try and make you jealous ya know.

eppo
WA, 9366 posts
8 May 2019 7:05PM
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Plummet said..



Gazuki said..
Go the super cab,.. 1800 long tray, problem solved.









Recon you have 2 years of space cab in you and then yourl be upgrading to a double cab.

PS Your family weirdly have really long white father Christmas beards,




Yep. My daughters 12 yr old legs wouldn't fit in there. Infact after the age of 8 we would have been stuffed



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"Best vehicle for kitesurfing?" started by Alysum