Storing and looking after the paraglider
Section 8
37
you are packing up. Insects are not attracted
by any particular colours, contrary to what is
commonly believed.
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.
Lines
The APUS RS 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
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.
