Properly folding and storing your paraglider is directly linked to the longevity of your wing. Incorrect folding can damage the Rigid Foils (Nylon rods) that give the leading edge its aerodynamic shape.
Here is the professional English guide for folding and storing your wing:
1. Preparation
Cleaning: Before folding, ensure the wing is free of grass, soil, insects, or moisture. Dampness is the greatest enemy of the fabric’s Porosity.
Organizing Lines: Place the Risers in a dedicated riser bag or near the harness to prevent the lines from becoming tangled or knotted.
2. Folding Method: "Concertina Folding"
This is the most modern and safest method to protect the internal structure of the wing.
Step 1: Organizing the Leading Edge. Gather all the Cells along the Leading Edge together. Ensure the plastic rigid foils are laid flat and parallel to each other.
Step 2: Expelling Air. Gently smooth the wing toward the Trailing Edge to allow all trapped air to escape.
Step 3: Folding the Sides. Once the leading edge is organized, carefully fold the remaining parts of the wing toward the center to create a narrow strip.
3. Packing into the Bag
Rolling/Folding: Begin folding from the trailing edge toward the leading edge (or vice versa, depending on your specific bag design). Crucial: Avoid sharp bends in the leading edge's plastic reinforcements.
Loose Packing: Do not force the wing into the bag. The fabric needs to "breathe" to avoid unnecessary stress on the coating.
Harness Placement: If storing the harness in the same bag, position it so that hard components (like buckles) do not press against or damage the wing's fabric.
4. Golden Rules for Storage
Never Store Wet: If the wing gets damp, it must be dried in the shade (avoid direct sunlight) and out of the bag as soon as possible.
Temperature Control: Avoid leaving your wing in a hot car trunk. High temperatures damage the chemical Coating of the fabric.
Long-term Storage: If you do not plan to fly for an extended period, remove the wing from its tight compression bag and store it loosely in a large, breathable Inner Bag.
Key Technical Terminology:
Concertina Bag: A specialized long bag designed for "accordion-style" folding.
Leading Edge: The front opening/profile of the wing.
Cells: The individual vertical sections of the canopy.
Rigid Foils: The nylon or plastic rods that maintain the profile's shape.
Porosity: The measure of how much air can pass through the fabric (lower is better).