21
LOOKING AFTER YOUR PARAGLIDER
Looking after your canopy correctly will prolong the life of your paraglider.
Deterioration: a few tips!
The canopy is mainly made of NYLON, cloth which, like any synthetic material,
deteriorates through excessive exposure to UV. Hence, it is recommended that you
reduce UV exposure to a minimum by keeping the paraglider packed away when not
in use. Even when packed in the bag do not leave it in the sun.
Keep the canopy and lines clean as dirt may penetrate into the fiber and damage the
lines or the cloth.
Ensure that the lines are not folded tightly. It’s extremely important to avoid any sharp
bending of the lines, especially the main lines. Pay careful attention to the lines to
avoid damaging them. Any over stretching of lines apart from the strain imposed
during normal flight, should be avoided as over stretching is irreversible.
Be careful, not to allow snow, sand or stones to enter inside the canopy’s cells: the
weight can change the angle of attack, or even stall the glider; additionally the sharp
edges can destroy the cloth!
Check line lengths after tree or water landings. They can stretch or shrink lines.
Never drag the wing over rough ground! This will damage the cloth on the wear
points. When preparing the wing on a takeoff with rough ground, don’t pull the wing
over it (i.e. by pulling the brakes). Please try to pack the wing on soft ground.
Uncontrolled strong wind takeoffs or landings can result in the leading edge of the
canopy hitting the ground at high speed which may cause rips in the profile and
damage the rib material
.
We advise you to fold the glider “accordion wise”, rib to rib. This packing procedure
takes slightly longer and is easier to do with an assistant, but it guarantees the rigidity
of the plastic profile reinforcements. This is very important for the performance of your
glider!
Prevent lines from catching on anything as they may be over stretched. Do not step
onto the lines. Although the lines were tested with a bending test they can be
damaged if stepped on whilst on a hard surface, or if they come into contact with
sharp objects.
Do not always fold the canopy symmetrically to the center cell as this can cause
constant stress on the center cell (center cell always to the outside).
Clean the paraglider with fresh water after contact with salt water. Salt water crystal
can reduce line strength, even after rinsing in fresh water. Replace lines immediately
after contact with salt water. Also check canopy material after water landings, as
waves can place uneven forces and cause cloth to distort in specific areas. Always
remove gliders from the water by holding only the trailing edge. Clean the paraglider
with water and a soft sponge. Do not use any chemicals or spirits for cleaning, as
these can permanently damage the cloth.
