Fighting with a new canopy: Is spraying water on a solution to get packing easier?

[phoenixlpr 0]

I`ve heard about this trick. I was warned of mushroom danger. I was not recommended to do if I dont jump on the same day of the packjob. Ideas?

[kaerock 1]

This is probably one of the silliest things I've ever heard of. Use proper technique and persistence, period. I've also heard that getting canopies wet can cause some binding-tape to shrink, causing a performance degredation to your canopy.

-R

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I`ve heard about this trick. I was warned of mushroom danger. I was not recommended to do if I dont jump on the same day of the packjob. Ideas?

You be the king and I'll overthrow your government. --KRS-ONE

[BIGUN 1,409]

I voted "NO" because "Hell NO" was not an option.

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[skydiverton 0]

This is about the same IQ level as using glue to prevent hard openings

NO

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Using your droque to gain stability is a bad habit,
Especially when you are jumping a sport rig

[phoenixlpr 0]

Thanks for rating my question. I`ve thought that any question can be asked...

[AggieDave 6]

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I`ve thought that any question can be asked...

You're right, any question should be asked.

The answer is No, as I'm sure you've gathered.

Instead of looking for a quick fix trick, learn how to clean up your packing. Watch the packers at your DZ and see the tricks they use, or better yet, have your local rigger show you some good packing techniques.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[badlock 0]

YEAH! I'm the only one who voted yes
Free mind, peoplez

(of course, I never heard such a stupid idea like spraying the canopy with water)!

Don't be a Lutz!

[phoenixlpr 0]

Correct me!

I was told that clean water has no effect on the material. But it can be a base of bacterias and mushrooms :(.

[hookitt 1]

Hey jack asses, lay off, it's not a silly question. It HAS been asked before. Don't be to surprised if you hear about climate controlled lofts.

The literal answer... yes!!! Notice how much easier it is to pack when the air is humid? Think Florida.

The practical answer... not really.

Water doesn't degrade nylon, and has little affect on ZP material. Thread and tapes may change a bit and f-111 will become more permeable if dunked.

A bit of spray wouldn't hurt anything really. You can pay someones child to continuously spray the air around you ... it may just work. If nothing else, at least people will be entertained by it.

Simple answer... no. Just rough it out and pack it, get used to it. In no time it will become easy.

[BIGUN 1,409]

Now that Tim has called us "Jackasses" (in a most loving way ).... Allow me to expand on the responses. First, please always feel like you can ask a question here. I think most of us (and the 49 who voted, "no") hear something like this and envision, "soaking" a canopy down and get scared for you and not really trying to beat you up as much as placing emphasis.

What Tim has said is true. but, humidity is different than spraying water. We know that there are "x" particles of moisture per "Y" million parts of air which disperses evenly across the canopy, rig, etc. Spraying water is more of, "How do you ensure that not too much is sprayed in one area which can cause pockets of water inside the cells, which can lead to damage.

It's better to pack slow and right and wrestle the demon for the first 30 jumps or so than to look for alternative solutions that may cause more harm as a short-term fix to wrestling.

Hope that un-jackasses meself and encourages you to feel free to ask questions. It wasn't a stupid question, just one for concern.

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[sundevil777 102]

When I had about 20 jumps, I was told that the rental canopy I would be using was packed wet, but not to worry, it was only last week. I used it because I wanted so much to use a rig with the reserve on the back, instead of gut-gear.

It was a para-commander, and worked OK, but sure didn't inspire confidence.

People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am

[gerrcoin 0]

Ok, so the general concensus is against it. Heres another aspect to consider.
Having packed some brand new ZP student canopies (read large) recently I can tell you that it is sweaty work getting those in the bag, especially on hot humid summer days. I've found it pretty difficult sometimes due to the moisture on my hands causing the material to stick to me. This is also true of canopies that were landed in wet grass. It makes it bloody difficult to get the tail well tucked in, every time I'd stuff the tail in I'd pull about half the material back out stuck to my hand. Makes for a very messy pack job.
I've personally found that once your technique is sorted out packing ZP shouldn't be that difficult, and that dampness only makes the job harder.

[cvfd1399 0]

agreed

[masterrig 1]

I don't feel that 'misting' or wetting a Z-P parachute is helpful. I doubt that clean water would be any more harmful than 'sweat' from packing on a hot, humid day. It would in fact, make it more difficult packing damp or wet fabric. I agree with Dave, Hookitt and Bigun. They make good, valid points. The idea of getting with a packer or rigger, would be most helpful. As Dave pointed-out, you can learn some tricks and managing that slippery #%*& material. Z-P is a patience builder! Also, I have to agree with those in this forum that you should be able to ask any question, any time. The stupid question is the question not asked! Good luck to you!

Chuck

[skydiverton 0]

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This is about the same IQ level as using glue to prevent hard openings

NO

Sorry for my "not so nice" answer to your question

ZP fabric has a built in stress sensor. As is senses stress the fabric starts sucking air and will slip easy.

Of course this is a joke, but relaxing and taking a deep breath before putting the canopy in the bag really helps


Succes

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Using your droque to gain stability is a bad habit,
Especially when you are jumping a sport rig

[GraficO 0]

if you do start praying water around... make it interesting at least..

don a voodoo warrior mask and decorate your squirter with feathers and bones... that way you can tell people you are chasing the demons from your rig

GraficO

GraficO

"A Mind is a terrible thing to taste."

[kallend 2,106]

1. When I was on a competition team we often practiced at sunup when the grass was covered in dew. I noticed that the canopy packed more easily when damp.

2. I have not noticed any ill effects from packing my canopy when damp.

3. Do any of those voting "hell no" have any ACTUAL evidence of damage from packing a damp canopy, or is this an old wives' tale?

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[Ron 10]

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. Do any of those voting "hell no" have any ACTUAL evidence of damage from packing a damp canopy, or is this an old wives' tale?

I didn't vote, but getting a canopy wet can change the trim of the lines, stitching, and binding tape.

Not that most would notice, but it can't be GOOD to do that.

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[masterrig 1]

Depending on climate and all considered, I have seen mildew to parachutes. These were primarily from sailplane pilot rigs, where a bladder broke in the plane and the parachute (still packed) was hung-up in hangar to dry. I've seen 1 or 2 reserves in 'sport' rigs with mildew where 'a little water' was spilled on it, while packed and just left to dry. In thinking, a 'misted' parachute, packed-up at the end of the day and left that way till the following week-end?

Chuck

[hookitt 1]

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. Do any of those voting "hell no" have any ACTUAL evidence of damage from packing a damp canopy, or is this an old wives' tale?

I wouldn't go saying it's a good thing but I have poured the water out of my stiletto, packed it up and jumped it. This same canopy has 3000 jumps on it. Around 1000 were done on it after being soaked one time and fairly wet a few more.

Ill effects? I'd guess there may be a difference in the original trim but as Ron stated, we probably wouldn't notice... I didn't.

Brian Germain stated that waterd can affect the tapes and thread on a canopy. I tend to believe him.

After seeing so many canopies get really wet, I suspect that it's not a huge deal but can definately change the dimensions slightly.

Edit.. ACK!.. I mispelled brian's name

[jkwon 0]

I hardly think it's a stupid question. I ask all kinds of questions at my DZ. And I even consider them stupid.

I voted no only because when I pack with my shirt off and it gets moist from my sweat it's hard as hell to hold on to to keep compressed. That being said...humidity sure does make it easier to pack my new canopy. I just practice everyday packing and unpacking my chute.

So the thing is I've heard pond swoopers who have a not so good landing and end up in the water will jump again right afterwards to dry off their mains. At least that's what I've been told.

That being said...don't spray your canopy down with water. However, I do like the paying the kid money to spray water all around you idea...I think I'd pitch in for the kid just to see that.

--joe
HISPA #69
The Best Band in the WORLD!!!
The new full length album "See What You Can Find"

[teason 0]

Parachute fabric is callandered, meaning that it is placed between to hot rollers and the fibers are bonded together. Ticket #69 nylon E thread is also bonded. Getting nylon wet WILL reverse this bonding process.
According to Dan Poynter's Parachute Manual, an F-111 canopy will become unusable in 3-30 water landings (I wish I had the manuals for page numbers here but I keep them at the DZ).

Nylon fabric also loses, I believe, 55% of it's strength while wet. (although it regains it's strength when dry)

Now before you say it, yes I do know that ZP has a waterproof quality, but the binding tape does not and it does shrink, the thread does not and it does unbond, and when you think about the affects of water on all things nylon ... there's a lot of nylon on a rig!

Also, if you have old hardware with the Cadmium plating starting to go, the resulting rust can and does wear away webbing.

*** Disclaimer***

I do realize that a water bottle and dewy grass is a far cry from a water landing, but these are the documented effects. There is a reason why we have strict Temperature and humidity limits when packing a reserve.

Tim

I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.

[teason 0]

Main cause of mildew on a canopy is sweat.

I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.

[masterrig 1]

Good point, I agree. Sailplane pilots wear their rigs for hours at a time in their planes. That sweat has to go somewhere. Mix that with water and 'darkness' inside the container and things start happening. We get sweat in our parachutes, also.

Chuck