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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 fibre 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 centre cell as this can cause constant
stress on the centre cell (centre 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
Storage:
Store the paraglider in a dry space at ambient temperature away from chemicals
and UV light.
Never pack or store the glider wet. This shortens the life of the cloth Always dry
glider thoroughly before any packing or storage.
During transport it has to be considered, that some materials of the paraglider are
temperature sensitive. Avoid subjecting your wing to high temperatures (e.g. the
luggage space of a parked car in the sun)!
When sending your wing as a parcel, take extra care with packing.
