34
Section 8
Storing and looking after the paraglider
Storing and transporting the glider
Even if your paraglider was completely dry
when it was packed up after the final flight of
the season, for long-term storage you
should if possible take it out of the back
pack and spread out the canopy a little in a
clean, dry place away from direct light. If
you do not have the space to do this, then
open the backpack, internal bag and belt as
much as possible and avoid compressing it.
It must be stored at a temperature between
10° and 25° C and in relative humidity
between 50 and 75%. Make sure too that
the paraglider is not stored in a place where
animals such as mice or cats could use it as
a place to sleep.
Do not store the paraglider near any
chemicals. Petrol, for example, causes the
material to disintegrate and can cause
considerable damage to your paraglider.
When your equipment is in the car boot,
keep it as far away as possible from any
spare petrol cans or oil containers.
The Stratus 8 should not be exposed to
extreme heat (e.g. in the boot of the car
during summer). The heat may cause any
moisture present to be pressed through the
fabric, thereby damaging the coating. High
temperatures accelerate the process of
hydrolysis, particularly when combined with
moisture, which damages fibres and
coating. Do not store your paraglider near
radiators or other heat sources.
Always transport your glider in the special
inner bag and use the backpack provided
for the rest of the equipment.
Looking after the paraglider
Fabric
Swing uses a specially developed
polyamide fabric for the Stratus 8 which has
a high-quality coating for improved UV
resistance, colour fastness and air
permeability. This fabric undergoes rigorous
laboratory tests and was tested for several
months under extreme conditions and heavy
use in flight.
Care is essential to ensure that the fabric
and glider remain durable and retain their
qualities. The glider should therefore be
protected from unnecessary UV light. Do not
unpack your glider until immediately before
flight and pack it up straight after landing.
Modern paraglider fabrics have better
protection against the sun, but UV rays in
particular are still one of the decisive factors
in how the fabric ages. The colours will fade
first and then the coating and fibres will
begin to age.
When the Stratus 8 is manufactured, the
side of the fabric with the coating is kept to
the inside. This provides relatively good
protection from damage for the coating
which is of key importance to the fabric’s
features. When choosing a place to launch,
try to find somewhere which is smooth and
free of stones and sharp objects.
Do not stand on the glider. This weakens
the fabric, especially if it is on a hard or
stony surface. Pay attention to the
behaviour of spectators at the launch site,
especially children: do not hesitate to draw
their attention to the sensitive nature of the
fabric.
When you are packing up your glider, make
sure that there are no insects trapped
inside. Many insects produce acids when
they decompose, which can cause holes in
the fabric. Grasshoppers make holes by
biting through the fabric and also excrete a
dark liquid which stains. Keep animals away
when you are packing up. Insects are not
attracted by any particular colours, contrary
to what is commonly believed.
If the glider gets wet or damp, it should be
dried as soon as possible in a well-
ventilated room (but out of the sun). It may
