Salt Lake City offers an unexpected gateway to advanced open water maneuvering, where Salt Lake’s brine-rich currents and shifting underwater landscapes demand both mental agility and specialized gear. Navigating these waters challenges even seasoned adventurers, requiring sharp skills and equipment fine-tuned for saline conditions and variable weather. Preparing your gear is more than checklist routine—it's about anticipating nature's force, from the salty embrace of Great Salt Lake waves daring you to maintain control, to the unpredictable gusts that push you forward and demand swift response.

Start with a wetsuit designed for high salinity and fluctuating water temperatures, as the lake’s density affects insulation and buoyancy. A drysuit may be necessary in colder months, but in summer, consider a 5mm neoprene wetsuit for optimal flexibility and thermal protection against salt's chill.

Footwear must be rugged and water-compatible. Salt crystals cling and abrade, so neoprene booties with reinforced soles guard against rocky lakebeds and slippery surfaces. Gloves improve grip on maneuvering equipment, crucial when water resists every move.

Hydration is a pivotal—though often overlooked—component. Salt dehydrating your body faster, a hydration pack with electrolyte replacements ensures you stay ahead of fatigue. Timing your sessions during early morning or late afternoon not only means calmer waters but less sun intensity, decreasing risk of overheating.

Gear maintenance takes on an edge here. Rinse all equipment thoroughly with fresh water to prevent salt corrosion and extend lifespan. Packing a small repair kit with corrosion-resistant tools can save your day if quick adjustments become necessary.

This adventure is a negotiation with nature’s elements—salt that both supports and resists, winds that push and pull. You’ll want your gear to act not only as protection but as a partner, amplifying your skills while withstanding the lake’s salt-dense challenge. Whether you’re honing buoyancy control, fine-tuning turns, or mastering currents peculiar to this inland sea, precise preparation translates directly into greater success and safety.

Prepare well, read the lake’s mood, and let its briny depths test your skill and resolve.