What is the best way to store the wing if space is no issue? inflated, partially inflated or deflated?
Ive never have a problem with deflating then rolling up and putting back in the bag, I take care when doing it and also when setting up and inflating etc.
I would of thought leaving partially inflated would be best , less risk of any bladder twist , window crease etc.
I fully deflate and pack it up on the beach. If its going to be stored for more than a couple days, I will reinflate it on grass (or somewhere non abrasive), let it fully dry out, shake or dust off any dried sand, making sure to get the sand out of compressed areas (between the canopy and leading edge for example), and fold it up neatly when dry and de-sanded. Haven't ever had an issue with twisted or unseated bladders, creases or any premature ware cased by improper storage. Caveat that to this point I haven't had windows on my wings, and I know there are additional precaution to take when folding a wing with windows.
whatever you do, do not hang the unpacked wing by the front handle to let it dry out and store, it can be bad for the bladders. Your best bet is to just deflate and pack in the bag every time.
Dcharlton, can you elaborate? I've been washing mine down, then hanging them by the front handle to dry then packing away. Didn't realise this was bad for the bladder. What's the reasons for the problems?
Bladder shifts when hung by handle i front.
Gets hung up or pinched with adding air.
Happens a lot with some wings.
Select to expand quoteLeeD said..
Bladder shifts when hung by handle i front.
Gets hung up or pinched with adding air.
Happens a lot with some wings.
Have heard that as well but I always hang them and it's never been an issue with my Naish and F-one wings. Should always check that things look 'right' before going to full pressure.
I am using the Duotone Slicks. Especially in the winter time it is difficult to get the wings dry after use. On the one-pump system I have attached an additional clamp so that I can only deflate the front tube while the strut remains filled. Not completely filled, just a little. In this way, you can then easily put the wing in the shower or somewhere else to dry. Just spread out a little and you're done. With a filled middle strut you can even hang it somewhere without having to worry about the bladder slipping. After drying, you can then decide whether to pack the wing back together normally or leave it that way and roll together like a windsurfing sail. If space does not matter, you can leave the middle strut slightly inflated (with the Duotone Slick you can also leave the boom on if you have your own boom for each wing) and then put the wing like a windsurfing sail in a cover for a large parasol. With wings with windows, this type is certainly a very gentle way of storage because the window is not bent.
