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How to Take Care of Your Paragliding Equipment

31 October 2023 - 4 min read

Taking to the skies on a paraglider is an experience like no other. However, ensuring that every flight is as safe as the first comes down to one crucial factor: the proper maintenance and care of your equipment. Your paraglider is your wingman in the truest sense, and looking after it well means it will take care of you in the air. Plus, its bloody expensive. So keep your resale value high with all the proper checks and maintenance, ready for when you upgrade to that competition CCC glider…

Daily Checks and Care

The Canopy

  1. Pre-Flight Inspection: First, a reminder from your elementary pilot. Before each flight, inspect the fabric for rips, tears, or seam issues. Check for broken lines or wear and tear that could affect the wing’s integrity. A stitch in time saves nine as my grandmas says.
  2. Proper Storage: Store your wing in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight. UV rays can degrade the fabric over time, weakening the material.
  3. Folding and Packing: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on folding and packing your wing. Proper folding can prevent creases that may lead to material fatigue.

The Harness

  1. Straps and Buckles: Regularly check for fraying straps and ensure buckles are free from rust or damage.
  2. Comfort and Fit: Adjust your harness periodically to ensure it still fits correctly, as a well-fitted harness is crucial for safety and comfort.

The Reserve Parachute

  1. Regular Repacking: Even if not used, repack your reserve parachute at intervals recommended by the manufacturer to ensure it deploys correctly in case of emergency. This is usually once a year. I have used the Loft Workshop and was impressed.
  2. Inspection: Regularly inspect the reserve for damage and ensure it’s connected correctly to the harness.

Seasonal Maintenance

Cleaning

  • Canopy: Clean your wing with mild, non-detergent soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage the fabric.
  • Harness: Gently wipe down your harness, paying attention to removing any debris that may have accumulated in the buckles or straps.

Waterproofing

  • Reproofing: Over time, the canopy may lose its waterproofing. Use a reproofing product designed for paragliding wings to restore this protective layer.

Annual Maintenance

Professional Inspection

  • Schedule an annual inspection with a certified professional. They will have the expertise to spot issues that you may not see and can make repairs as needed.
  • Again, this will seriously help maintain your resale value of your wing.

Electronics

  • Check the batteries and calibration of your variometer, GPS, and other electronics to ensure they’re functioning correctly.

After Incident Care

Post-Incident Inspection:

  • After any incident, no matter how minor, inspect all equipment thoroughly before your next flight. If in doubt, seek a professional opinion.

When to Replace

  • Life Expectancy: Each component of your paragliding kit has a lifespan. Consult with your manufacturer for guidelines on when to replace items.
  • Wear Indicators: Pay attention to the manufacturer’s wear indicators on lines and webbing to know when it’s time to retire a part of your gear.

Conclusion

Paragliding is an investment in both adventure and equipment. By adhering to a regular maintenance schedule and treating your gear with care, you’ll extend the life of your equipment, save money in the long run, and ensure countless hours of safe flying.

Check out some of our other blogs on paragliding: