How to Maintain Your Paragliding Wing for Longevity

If you’ve ever had the privilege of taking a paragliding flight, then you know that your wings are not a simple piece of equipment; they are your lifeline in the sky. Proper maintenance of your wing ensures not only its longevity but also your own safety and performance during flights. A well-cared-for wing can last you through many seasons, providing countless adventures while maintaining its aerodynamic qualities. In this guide, we’ll be exploring the best practices for maintaining your paragliding wing, so you can enjoy the skies with confidence using your wing safely for as long as possible.

1. Understand Your Wing’s Material

Paragliding wings are crafted from lightweight and durable materials like ripstop nylon or polyester designed for durability needed for the sport. These fabrics are coated to enhance their resistance to UV rays and water, but they still require proper care to maintain their integrity. Key parts of your wing that you should be familiar with include:

• Leading Edge: This is more prone to wear from ground handling and impacts.
• Upper and Lower Surfaces: These are more sensitive to UV exposure and abrasion.
• Lines: Typically lines are made from Dyneema or Kevlar, a mighty tough and durable material which are strong but require protection from wear and UV damage.

By understanding your wing’s components and keeping a pulse on their wear-and-tear, you can tailor your maintenance routine to address specific vulnerabilities.

2. Protect Against UV Exposure

UV rays are the number one enemy of paragliding wings. Over time, prolonged exposure to sunlight weakens the fabric, reducing its tensile strength and porosity. Here’s how to mitigate UV damage:

• Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid leaving your wing spread out in direct sunlight for extended periods, especially when not flying. This means proper packing and storage when your wing is dry and not in use.
• Use a Wing Bag: For added storage protection you can specifically store your wing in a UV-protective bag when not in use. Something like the Ozone Sombrero bag UV protector is great for when you’re sitting on take-off, and is used to keep your paraglider covered with this UV-reflective, water-resistant, lightweight cover.
• Fly Smart: The time of day you fly can have an impact on your wings UV exposure. Early morning or late afternoon flights can reduce the time your wing is exposed to the harsh midday sun and higher UV index.

Regularly inspect the fabric for signs of fading or brittleness, which can indicate UV damage.

3. Clean Your Wing Properly

Dirt, sand, and other debris can damage the fabric and lines of your wing over time. Regular cleaning helps maintain its performance and appearance. Follow these steps for safe cleaning of your paragliding wing:

• Shake Off Debris: After each flight, gently shake the wing to remove any dirt or sand.
• Spot Clean: Use a damp cloth with lukewarm water to clean dirty areas. Avoid harsh chemicals or detergents as these can cause more damage.
• Avoid Submersion: Never fully immerse your wing in water. A large amount of water can add weight and can stretch and pull your wing (even for only a short period of time). This can damage the fabric and internal reinforcements and is not recommended.
• Dry Completely: If your wing does get wet on a flight (a little dampness is normal – like dew on the ground early morning or late evening), air-dry it in a shaded area before packing it away.

4. Handle with Care During Launch and Landing

The launch and landing phases are typically where most wear and tear occur on a wing during flight. Abrasion from rough terrain, snagging on rocks, or improper ground handling can damage your wing. To minimize risks:

• Use a Ground Cloth: Lay down a protective sheet to prevent abrasion when inflating your wing.
• Avoid Dragging: Lift and position your wing carefully to avoid dragging it across abrasive surfaces.
• Choose Your Site Wisely: Opt for launch and landing zones with minimal obstacles and debris. Flat and clear are the most ideal but not always available based on your paragliding location, scout out potential landing spots prior to your flight either in person or by researching online.
• Practise, Practise, Practise: Train you skills and wing manipulation to ensure you are prepared and can best manipulate your wing when you need it most.

If you are being mindful during these critical phases, you can significantly reduce wear on your wing!

5. Inspect Your Wing Regularly

Routine inspections are absolutely crucial to catching issues early and ensuring your wing remains airworthy (as well as protecting your own safety in the sky). Create a habit of checking the following regularly:

Fabric:

• Look for tears, holes, or thinning areas in your wing.
• Check the seams for signs of separation between the panels such as pulled stitching or deteriorating adhesive.

Lines:

• Inspect your wing’s lines for fraying, knots, or uneven lengths.
• Test the strength of the attachment points to ensure their hold capabilities.

Risers and Connectors:

• Examine for wear or corrosion on metal parts. Check for dents, chips, warping, or changes in color that may indicate issues with the metal.
• Ensure smooth operation of pulleys and carabiners. Replace when needed.

You should perform a detailed inspection every 100 hours of flight or at least once a year. If you find significant damage or are unsure about your wing’s condition, consult a professional for repairs or explore a replacement depending on severity of the issue.

6. Store Your Wing Correctly

Proper storage is just as important as care during use as improper storage can lead to mildew, fabric degradation, and distorted lines. To mitigate these risks, follow these tips:

• Dry It First: Always ensure your wing is completely dry before storing it to prevent mold and mildew build up.
• Use the Right Bag: A well-ventilated and appropriately sized storage bag prevents unnecessary creasing and strain. AKA – make sure it fits your equipment.
• Give Your Stored Bag Space: Don’t squish your bag as over-compressing your wing can damage the fabric and internal reinforcements. Keep it clear of items around it.
• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep your wing away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Outside in a non-temperature regulated shed or garage is not ideal. We recommend storing inside someplace dark or in a regulated storage unit. Ovoid leaving your wing in your car in full sun for hours, the sun can cook the fabric pretty quick trough the window.

7. Repair Damage Promptly

Even with careful handling, minor damage can occur in your wing. Addressing damage is important in being able to promptly prevent it from worsening. Some ways you can repair your wing and increase its longevity:

• Patch Small Tears: Use adhesive ripstop repair tape for small holes or tears.
• Replace Damaged Lines: If a line is frayed or broken, make sure you replace it immediately.
• Seek Professional Repairs: For significant damage, such as large fabric tears or riser issues, consult a certified repair technician.

Maintaining a repair kit with essential items like fabric tape and spare lines is a smart move for any pilot – remember that a prepared pilot is a safe pilot.

8. Service Your Wing Periodically

Professional servicing is essential for maintaining your wing’s performance and safety. Knowing and understanding what a service includes can help ensure you are selecting a reputable place. We look for a full service which typically includes:

• Porosity Testing: This ensures the fabric maintains adequate airflow.
• Line Length Measurement: This testing confirms that all lines are in spec.
• Brake Line Adjustment: This testing ensures smooth and responsive handling.

We recommend scheduling a professional servicing every year of 100 hours of exposure whatever comes 1st.

9. Fly Responsibly

Your flying habits also play a significant role in wing maintenance. Here are some tips for responsible flying habits for a longer lasting wing:

• Avoid Overloading: Stick to the manufacturer’s weight limits to prevent over-stressing the wing. Gain or lose a lot of weight since your last flight? It may be time to switch you wing if that is the case.
• Steer Clear of Extreme Conditions: High winds and turbulent air can put excessive strain on your wing. If you are a frequent or ‘hard’ pilot – be prepared to update your wing sooner than a casual pilot.
• Practice Good Techniques: Proper control inputs and smooth maneuvers reduce unnecessary stress on the fabric and lines.

10. Know When to Retire Your Wing

Even with excellent care, every wing has a lifespan. Factors like flight hours, environmental exposure, and fabric condition determine when it’s time to retire a wing. Signs that your wing may need replacing include:

• Significant loss of porosity.
• Major fabric or line degradation.
• Unstable or unpredictable flight behavior.

When in doubt, consult a professional for an evaluation. It’s important to remember: if you don’t know, don’t go.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your paragliding wing isn’t just about extending its lifespan—it’s about ensuring your safety and the quality of your flying experience. By adopting the practices outlined in this guide, you’ll protect your investment and enjoy many hours of safe and thrilling flights. A well-cared-for wing is a reliable wing, and that reliability is what can really make or break a paragliding adventure.