On a bad weather day, try checking your main and rig. You should know how to give your main a basic inspection. Do this once in a while to check for wear and tear before it becomes an issue. You’ll become more familiar with your equipment, pass the time usefully and will learn about your gear.
This excellent short video by Performance Designs gives a thorough demonstration of how to inspect your main.
How to inspect your canopy, step by step.
#The more you know, the safer you are
You should make a thorough inspection of your rig and main canopy every 50-100 jumps, or every year, whichever is sooner. Ideally inspect the canopy flat but you can use a hanger or put the canopy on its side if you don’t have enough room. Be systematic and check every cell, inch by inch. Look for rips, holes, tears, discoloration, stains, rips, worn or damaged stitching. Periodically check the strength of the material by pulling it between with both hands.
After checking the complete top surface of the canopy, turn it over. Check the bottom surface in the same manner, cell by cell. Then the inside of the canopy.
Check the slider grommets, drawstrings and condition of stitching and material. Examine every inch of the lines, risers, toggles, take twists out of brake lines.
Be very methodical and unhurried to make sure you cover every inch of the equipment. Refer to your owner’s manual for recommendations about checking your rig.
The above is only a summary, the video is essential watching for the whole story
