Narrowed it down to two cars. VW Golf and Tiguan. I know, I know get the VZ Commie wagon and be happy. But I want the new car smell for the first time in my life, and VW are having a fire sale (they need something to quell their recent PR disasters).

Tiguan: 168 cm high, a bit short for an SUV. I measured 250 cm to the dashboard with the front seat down.
Golf: 149 cm high. I measured only 2.30 cm to the dashboard with the seat down and I don't think I could remove the headrest. Bummer.

The Golf is newer, cheaper and drives better. But it's a small car at the end of the day. Are roof racks really such a pain? Does vehicle height make a big difference? Is it safe to drive with the board flung over the front seat and equipment inside the car in general?

P.S.
Wagons are a dying breed.

I am a windsurfing noob. A few months back I spent 23 days in Vass and learnt to waterstart, but that's about it (might post a trip report if anyone is interested).

I need new wheels regardless, but they might as well be windsurfing-optimised.

What I have right now is a VS Commodore sedan with 215 K on the clock (the odometer just broke, so that's what it will always have).

General questions.

Is it OK getting a new car? Does salt water ruin cars?

Are off-road abilities needed at all in getting to launch sites? Also, I anticipate getting things on and off the roof racks of a tall car to be a pain.
For example is there any point in buying an Outback over a Liberty?

I've test-driven the following so far:
Subraru Forrester and Outback
Mazda CX5, Mazda 6 wagon
Honda CRV
Toyota Kluger

The CX5 felt "short". The 6 was long, but surprisingly cramped with a low claustrophobic roof. The Forrester was noisy and felt "agricultural". I liked the Outback and especially the Kluger the best. Smooth anesthetic rides, especially after feeling very bump of the road on my old Commodore. But the Kluger weighs a ton (in fact 2!) and I shudder at the thought of fuel consumption figures. The CRV felt like a chick car, though much roomier than the CX5.
I also had a look at the Hyundai i30 wagon. It's cheap, but gosh it takes the melted swoopy look to new levels. (I hate the puny windows in modern cars. VW seems to be the only one resisting the trends, but a Passat is out of my budget + all those DSG horror stories).
So, what to do?

Slap some roof racks on the old Commode and drive it into the ground?

I've also considered getting a the last of the true Commodore wagons - VZ. But I've been driving Falcons and Commodores all my life, so it'll have to be something else this time.

Is it a bad idea in general to carry gear in the passenger compartment from a safety point of view? (So board on the roof, rig in the boot would be best and any car will do?)