In the market for a new beach buggy this summer? With kiteboarding equipment becoming more and more compact (except for those foils!), travelling with gear has never been easier. Of course, if you're the kind of kiter who needs to bring EVERYTHING no matter what the weather, you might need something a little larger than your average Kombi. We've seen anything from Smart cars to Hummers pull up at the beach, so to narrow it down, here's a few characteristics both you, and the perfect kiteboarding car must have!

1: Realistic Expectations.

While you might treasure your new (or new-to-you) car this season. Next season, or even by winter - you'll be throwing your sandy, salty wetsuit on the back seat like it's mums old Datsun. Or worse. You won't even take the wetsuit off before driving home! Even if you employ ever counter measure known to man, sand will still blow into the carpet, and the salt air will slowly eat your treasured automobile away. Which brings us to number two…

2: Protection for your ride!

Floor mats. Leather Seats. Boot Liners. Don't buy just one, buy all three! Floor mats keep the sand out of your carpet. Leather seats don't absorb water like fabric does. Boot liners keep salty, wet kite gear from leaking into your car. Simple as 1. 2. 3.

3: Folding Rear Seats.

While it might seem like a given these days, folding rear seats are still not offered on some cars! (Cough **Mazda**) Before you take your new kiteboarding mobile for a drive, flip down the seats and check you can fit your twintip in there.

4: Tinted Windows.

Got two kites? Well that spare one you're NOT using, spends all day in the car. Heating up. Melting Valves. Slowly damaging Nylon fibers. Tinted windows keep everything a little cooler, and your gear fresh for longer.

5: A waterproof key.

The best keys for kiteboarding, are those made with good old fashioned metal. You can stick them in your pocket and go kiting, cut a spare and stash it under the car, or in your kite bag, or even in your kite. No kidding, we heard of a guy who tucked his spare key in the end of his centre strut. Electronic keys don't like salt water, and they aren't easy to replicate. If you must buy a car with an electronic key - find out about having a spare cut BEFORE you lose a key.

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