Your parawing is built for adventure, but a little care after each session can go a long way towards extending its lifespan.
Whether you’re riding in the ocean or on a freshwater lake, the way you dry and store your parawing plays an important role in maintaining its performance and material durability.
The good news? Taking care of your parawing doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple habits will help keep your wing in great condition for many sessions to come.
1. Why you should always dry your parawing in the shade
One of the most important rules of parawing care is simple: avoid drying your wing in direct sunlight.
Parawing fabric is made from lightweight synthetic fibres with a special coating designed to provide strength, flexibility and low air permeability. When exposed to direct sunlight, ultraviolet (UV) radiation can gradually damage the molecular structure of both the fibres and the coating. This chemical ageing process can reduce the material’s strength and durability over time.
Sunlight also heats the fabric, accelerating certain chemical reactions that contribute to material ageing. When heat is combined with moisture, it can further accelerate the degradation of susceptible coatings. As the coating deteriorates, the fabric may gradually become more porous, allowing more air to pass through it.
Although some sun exposure during normal use is unavoidable, there is no reason to expose your parawing to additional UV radiation while drying it.
Our recommendation: Always dry your parawing in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Good airflow will help remove moisture without unnecessarily exposing the fabric to sunlight and heat.
2. Taking care of your parawing after a saltwater session
After your session, spread out your parawing and allow it to dry completely in the shade. Once the fabric, internal structure and lines are dry, you can pack the wing away for storage.
What if you don’t have time to dry it?
Sometimes you’re in a hurry, and packing a wet parawing is unavoidable. If this happens, keep the zipper of your Triple Seven parawing bag open. The integrated mesh allows air to circulate more easily, helping moisture escape rather than trapping it inside the bag. Saltwater can inhibit the growth of certain microorganisms, so a wing used in saltwater may be somewhat less susceptible to mould than one packed wet after a freshwater session. However, saltwater does not completely prevent mould, and salt deposits can remain on the fabric, lines and other components.
For this reason, packing a wet wing should always be considered a temporary solution.
Our recommendation: If you must pack your parawing wet, leave the bag open and unpack it as soon as possible to allow it to dry completely.
3. Taking care of your parawing after a freshwater session
Freshwater sessions require a little extra attention when it comes to drying. Whether you’re riding on a lake or a river, it is particularly important to make sure your parawing is completely dry before storing it. Unlike saltwater, freshwater does not have the same inhibitory effect on certain microorganisms. When a freshwater-soaked parawing is packed away wet, moisture can remain trapped between the layers of fabric, creating conditions in which mould and mildew may develop. Mould can cause unpleasant odours and staining and may contribute to the deterioration of certain materials and coatings.
How to dry your parawing after freshwater use
Spread out your wing in a shaded, well-ventilated area and allow it to dry thoroughly. Pay particular attention to areas where water can remain trapped, including the internal structure and folds of the fabric. Make sure the lines are dry as well.
Once everything is completely dry, the wing is ready to be packed away.
What if you need to pack it wet?
If you don’t have time to dry your parawing immediately after a freshwater session, keep the bag zipper open.
The mesh in your Triple Seven parawing bag helps improve air circulation, but remember that ventilation alone will not completely dry a tightly packed wing.
Unpack it at the earliest opportunity and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Our recommendation: Never leave a freshwater-soaked parawing packed away wet for an extended period. Dry it completely before storage to reduce the risk of mould and material deterioration.
4. Three simple tricks to dry your parawing faster
Drying your parawing doesn’t need to take forever. A few simple adjustments can make the process considerably more efficient.
Tip 1: Spread out the wing as much as possible
The more you spread out your parawing, the faster it can dry. When the fabric is folded or compressed, moisture remains trapped between the layers, limiting evaporation. By opening up the wing and exposing more of its surface to circulating air, you allow moisture to evaporate more efficiently.
Avoid leaving the wing in a tightly packed pile while waiting for it to dry.
Tip 2: Hang the wing with the leading edge facing upwards
If you have a suitable place to hang your parawing, positioning it with the leading edge upwards can help water drain more efficiently. This is particularly useful for parawings with an inflated leading-edge structure.
When the leading edge faces downwards, its curved shape may create pockets where water can collect. This trapped water takes longer to evaporate. By hanging the wing with the leading edge upwards, gravity helps water drain towards the trailing edge, where it can escape more easily.
Make sure the wing is supported without placing excessive loads on individual lines, attachment points or small sections of fabric.
Tip 3: Choose a shaded area with good airflow
Air circulation is one of the most effective ways to speed up drying. A shaded outdoor area with a gentle breeze is ideal.
If you’re drying your parawing indoors, choose a well-ventilated room. A fan can help improve air circulation if necessary, provided the wing is securely positioned.
Avoid direct heat sources such as radiators, heaters and hot-air blowers, as excessive temperatures can damage the fabric or coating.
Remember, the objective is to remove moisture, not to heat the material.
5. How to store your parawing between sessions
Once your parawing is completely dry, proper storage is straightforward. Pack the wing carefully without unnecessary compression, and store it in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Avoid leaving your parawing in a hot car, particularly during summer. Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can become considerably higher than the outside temperature, accelerating material ageing. For longer storage periods, make sure the wing is completely dry and free from excessive salt deposits, sand and other contaminants.
A clean, dry and well-ventilated storage environment will help preserve the condition of your equipment.
6. Saltwater vs. freshwater: What’s the difference?
Both saltwater and freshwater sessions require proper drying, but there are some differences worth remembering.
The most important rule remains the same regardless of where you ride: dry your parawing thoroughly before storing it.
7. Frequently asked questions about parawing care
– Can I dry my parawing in direct sunlight?
We recommend avoiding it. UV radiation gradually degrades synthetic fibres and coatings, while heat can accelerate material ageing. Drying your parawing in the shade with good airflow is a better way to preserve its long-term durability.
– Can I leave my parawing wet in its bag overnight?
It is best to avoid doing so. If you must pack your parawing wet, leave the bag open and unpack it as soon as possible. The mesh in your Triple Seven bag helps with ventilation but cannot guarantee that a packed wing will dry completely.
– Does saltwater prevent mould from growing on my parawing?
Saltwater can inhibit certain microorganisms, but it does not guarantee protection against mould. A saltwater-soaked parawing should still be dried thoroughly before storage.
– Should I rinse my parawing with freshwater after using it in the ocean?
Follow the cleaning instructions for your specific model. Freshwater rinsing can help remove salt deposits where recommended, but it also introduces additional moisture. Always ensure the wing is completely dry before storing it.
– What is the fastest way to dry a parawing?
Spread the wing out as much as possible in a shaded, well-ventilated area. If you hang it, positioning the leading edge upwards can help water drain towards the trailing edge and prevent water from collecting in the curved leading-edge structure.
Can I use a heater or hairdryer to dry my parawing?
Avoid direct heat sources. Excessive heat can damage the fabric and coating. Natural airflow or a fan in a well-ventilated area is a safer option.
Take care of your gear. Enjoy more sessions.
Your parawing is designed to deliver performance on the water, and a few minutes of care after each session can make a meaningful difference to its longevity.
Whether you’ve been riding in the ocean or on a freshwater lake, remember the essentials: dry your wing in the shade, allow plenty of airflow and never store it wet for extended periods.
A little care today means more sessions tomorrow.
See you out there!
