Storing and looking after the paraglider
Section 8
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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 TWIN RS 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 TWIN RS 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 TWIN RS 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.
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.
