Storing and looking after the paraglider
Section 08
31
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.
Lines
The TWIN RS 2 has various different high-
quality and accurately manufactured lines which
have been selected according to the load and
area of use. You should also protect the lines
from unnecessary UV light because, as with the
fabric, UV light in particular will weaken the
lines.
Be careful that there is no abrasion caused to
the coating on the lines by rubbing, particularly
when ground-training with crossed risers.
Do not walk on the lines after the glider has
been spread out and watch out for spectators
or skiers who may inadvertently go over the
lines.
When you are packing up the glider, be careful
to avoid putting any unnecessary kinks in the
lines and use only the overhand knot or bowline
knots described for the brake lines.
PLEASE NOTE
Dyneema lines, which are used in the area of
the main brake lines, for example, are very
temperature-sensitive and can be
permanently damaged at temperatures
above 75° C. Therefore your glider should
never be stored in a hot car especially during
summer
Dampness / humidity
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 take several days
before the canopy has dried completely
because the fibres absorb water. Mould may
form if the paraglider is stored wet and the
fibres may rot, particularly when it is warm. This
can make the paraglider unsuitable for flying
within a short time.
A brand-new glider will often be compressed
when delivered. This is solely for the initial
delivery and the glider should not be
compressed in such a way again. Do not pack
your glider too tightly after use and, even though
it is very comfortable, never sit on the backpack
with the glider inside.
Contact with salt water
If salt water gets on the glider, before being
dried, it should immediately be thoroughly rinsed
in fresh water. It should then be dried in a well-
ventilated room (but out of the sun).
If the glider is not thoroughly rinsed, there may
be permanent damage to the material.
Sand and salt air
In many cases, sand and salt air cause the lines
and fabric to age much more rapidly. If you often
fly near the sea, the glider should be inspected
more frequently than normally required.
Cleaning
If you do have to clean the glider, use only
lukewarm fresh water and a soft sponge. Use a
weak soap solution for stubborn stains, and
then rinse it out carefully and thoroughly. Leave
the glider to dry in a place which is well-
ventilated and in the shade.
PLEASE NOTE
Do not use chemicals, brushes, rough cloths,
high-pressure cleaners or steamers to clean
the glider, as these can damage the fabric
coating and weaken it. The glider becomes
porous and loses braking strength.
Do not under any circumstances put the
glider in the washing machine. Even if
washing powder is not used, the glider would
be badly damaged by the mechanical action
of the machine. Do not put the canopy into a
swimming pool - chlorine will damage the
fabric. If you have no choice but to rinse the
glider, e.g. following a landing in the sea,
gently wash it down inside and out with fresh
water. Frequent rinsing accelerates the
aging process.
