GIN Boomerang 10 - Manual (Page 29)

29 /62 Boomerang 10
The Boomerang 10 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 concertina bag
and use the backpack provided for the rest of the equipment.
Care
The materials used in the Boomerang 10 have been carefully selected for maximum durability
and performance. Nevertheless, following the guidelines below will keep your paraglider
airworthy and will ensure a long period of continuous safe operation. Excessive wear is caused
by careless ground handling and packing, unnecessary exposure to UV light, chemicals, heat and
moisture.
Ground handling
The following should be avoided:
 Violent shocks to the upper surface (e.g. when the canopy crashes to the ground
leading edge first whilst ground handling).
 Dragging the glider along the ground.
 Stepping on the lines or canopy. The Kevlar line inside the sheath can take lots of
pulling force without stretching, but is sensitive to bending with small radius.
 Opening your wing in strong winds without first untangling the lines.
Fabric
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 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.
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,