pilot manual
v1.0, 05/2014
Ultralight Harness
Contents
Thank you... 5
Warning 6
About Gin Gliders 7
Introducing the Yeti 8
Before you fly 14
Flying with the Yeti 19
Maintenance and repairs 21
Final words... 25
Technical data 26
Materials 27
Diagram 28
4
Thank you...
...for choosing Gin Gliders. We are confident you’ll enjoy many rewarding experiences in the air
with your GIN Yeti.
This manual contains important safety, performance and maintenance information. Read it
before your first flight, keep it for reference, and please pass it on to the new owner if you ever
re-sell your harness.
Any updates to this manual, or relevant safety information, will be published on our website:
www.gingliders.com. You can also register for e-mail updates via our website.
GIN team
Happy flying and safe landings,
5
Warning
Like any extreme sport, paragliding involves unpredictable risks which may lead to injury or
death. By choosing to fly, you assume the sole responsibility for those risks. You can minimize the
risks by having the appropriate attitude, training and experience and by properly understanding,
using and maintaining your equipment. Always seek to expand your knowledge and to develop
self-reliance. If there is anything you do not understand, consult with your local dealer as a first
point of contact, with the GIN importer in your country or with Gin Gliders directly.
Because it is impossible to anticipate every situation or condition that can occur while
paragliding, this manual makes no representation about the safe use of the paragliding equipment
under all conditions. Neither Gin Gliders nor the seller of GIN equipment can guarantee, or be held
responsible for, the safety of yourself or anyone else.
Many countries have specific regulations or laws regarding paragliding activity. It’s your
responsibility to know and observe the regulations of the region where you fly.
6
About Gin Gliders
Dream
In forming Gin Gliders, designer and competition pilot Gin Seok Song had one simple dream:
to make the best possible paragliding equipment that pilots all over the world would love to fly—
whatever their ambitions.
At Gin Gliders, we bring together consultant aerodynamists, world cup pilots, engineers and
paragliding school instructors, all dedicated to fulfilling this dream.
Touch
We’re a “hands-on” company that puts continuous innovation and development at the centre of
everything we do.
At our purpose-built R&D workshop at head office in Korea, we are able to design, manufacture,
test-fly and modify prototypes all in a matter of hours. Our international R&D team is on hand both
in Korea and at locations worldwide. This guarantees that your equipment has been thoroughly
tested to cope with the toughest flying conditions.
Our own production facilities in East Asia ensure the quality of the finished product and also
the well-being of our production staff.
Believe
We believe that the product should speak for itself. Only by flying can the pilots understand
their equipment and develop trust and confidence in it. From this feeling comes safety, comfort,
performance and fun. The grin when you land should say it all!
7
Introducing the Yeti
The Yeti is an ultralight harness that we designed for our hike’n fly enthusiasts. It works perfectly for
para-alpinism, speedflying and travel. Its lightweight and compact design is suited for a minimalist pilot
who wants a safe and comfortable ride.
We offer 3 versions of the Yeti harness. The Yeti: an ultralight harness with opening leg buckles and
shoulder reserve attachment points. The Yeti Xtrem: cuts all the fat with a step-in design and the removal
of the rescue attachment points. Lastly we have the Yeti Convertible: a minimalist reversible harness
that manages to pack in all of the standard features like the speedbar pulleys, rescue attachment points,
and a built in rucksack.
The Yeti family covers all your lightweight needs. The Yeti and Yeti Convertible offer a variety of
additional safety features. Add an optional airbag and a rescue designed specifically for your lightweight
requirements. With our extended Yeti product line you can equip yourself with everything from a
lightweight Yeti speedbar, Yeti rescue and up to our Yeti Alpine Bag, a rucksack made for you serious
hike’n fly pilots.
Compared to the lightest ultralight harnesses on the market, the Yeti offers an excellent ratio of
comfort to weight and improved durability with an unbeatable variety of customizable options.
8
Specifications
Specifications
The Yeti, Yeti Xtrem and Yeti Convertible are EN/LTF Certified
Yeti Xtrem
Size
Size One Size
Yeti
Size
Size
Yeti Convertible
Size
Size One Size
Delivery package
Delivery package: Yeti, Yeti Xtrem, Yeti Convertible
1 Harness
2 Yeti Peguet Carabiners
1 USB manual
Weight (kg) 500g
One Size
Weight (kg) 600g
Weight (kg) 1400g
9
Components of the Yeti & Yeti Xtrem Components of the Yeti Convertible
and leg buckles
Manual ‘pass through’ leg buckles
(not on Xtrem)
Manual ‘pass through’ chest Buckle
Rescue Shoulder attachment points
(Not on Xtrem)
2 Yeti Peguet Carabiners
Speedbar pulley
Yeti Airbag attachment points
(not on Xtrem)
Manual ‘pass through’ chest and leg buckles
Rucksack
Tunnel for rescue bridle
(& on Yeti)
2 Yeti Peguet Carabiners
Speedbar pulley
Yeti Airbag attachment points
10
Components of the Yeti
Manual ‘pass through’ buckles
The Yeti, Yeti Xtrem and Yeti Convertible are designed with lightweight, multifunction buckles.
The chest buckle is used to both adjust the harness size and connect the chest straps. The leg
buckle on the Yeti and Yeti Convertible allow for easy in and out attachment points while the Yeti
Xtrem is designed as a Step-in harness to allow for maximum weight reduction.
Rescue
The Yeti and Yeti Convertible are equipped with rescue bridle attachment points sewn into the
shoulders for a safer PLF (Parachute Landing Fall) position. Sewn into the right-hand side of the
harness is a bridle tunnel that passes from the riser attachment up to the shoulders. The Yeti
Xtrem has no shoulder attachment points but a rescue can be attached to the main carabiners.
Speed bar
All of the Yeti harnesses are equipped with a Pulley and ring for speedbar routing.
Carabiners
Included with your harness are two 2 Yeti Peguet carabiners. With the Yeti Xtrem you can use
the main carabiners as your attachment point for your rescue.
Yeti Airbag attachment points
On the Yeti and Yeti Convertible there are attachment points for an optional airbag. The airbag
adds lightweight safety and can easily be attached or removed.
11
Yeti Convertible Rucksack
The Yeti Convertible is designed as a reversible pack. Hike up the mountain with all of your gear
stored inside your harness. Using a reversible pack greatly reduces your weight and adds comfort
and convenience. The Rucksack is designed with padded shoulders and hip belt with breathable
mesh material. The back is made with both rigid and soft foam for structure and ergonomic back
support. The pack has been engineered for hikers with a mesh outer side pocket, hiking pole ties,
ice axe loop and a flexible helmet strap.
- external helmet holder
- side compression straps
- ergonomic back support
- breathable shoulder straps
- chest strap
- attachments for walking poles,
snowshoes, crampons
- mesh side pocket
-ice axe
12
Optional Items
Yeti Airbag (Yeti only)
Yeti Convertible Airbag (Yeti Convertible)
Yeti bridle (Yeti & Yeti Convertible)
Yeti Alpine Bag
Yeti Speed Bar
Yeti front container (recommended for Yeti & Yeti Convertible)
Yeti Rescue #27/35/40
For the latest Accessories go www.gingliders.com
13
Before you fly
Make sure your dealer has checked the harness for completeness and basic settings. Your
harness must be assembled by a suitably qualified paragliding professional, for example, your
instructor.
Gin Gliders recommend that assembly be carried out in the following order. If you are in any
doubt whatsoever about this procedure, please seek professional advice from your instructor,
GIN dealer or importer.
Installing the speed system
Assemble the speed system from bottom to top. Pass the cord of the speed bar through the
speed ring located on the bottom edge of the harness seat. Route the cord up through the pulley
and tie it to the speed connector.
1 2
CAUTION: Make sure that the speed
system is not too short. The front
risers of your paraglider must not
be pulled down in normal (unaccelerated) flight.
14
Speed Bar
Hanging in the simulator, adjust the length of the speed bar cord so that the bar hangs at least
15cm below the front of the harness. Making the cord too short could result in the speed system
being constantly or unintentionally engaged during flight. It is safer to start with the speed bar a
little long and shorten it following your first flights. Test the speed bar in flight only after you are
comfortable with your new harness, and always do so in calm conditions with ample clearance
above the ground.
15
Attach Carabiner
Attach the 2 Yeti Peguet Carabiners to the harness first and then attach to your risers.
2)
Rescue Installation Guide
Yeti & Yeti Convertible
Attach your rescue container to the Yeti Convertible Bridle.
Run the bridle through the bridle tunnel and attach the bridle
to the shoulder anchors. Use rubber bands or tape to hold
the bridle in place. Then, cover the attachment with the
neoprene sleeve.
1 2
(Follow the rescue containers manual)
Yeti Xtrem
Gin gliders recommends the use of the Lite Yeti Container
with the Yeti Xtrem. Attach the supplied bridle to the main
carabiners as show below.
1 2
16
Rescue Installation and compatibility check
Gin Gliders recommend that rescue installation is performed properly by a competent person.
The Yeti is compatible with GIN Yeti rescue parachutes and Gin front containers. Other manufacturers’ rescues may also be used but we cannot guarantee their efficacy—check your rescue manual
for details.
Every first installation of a rescue system into the harness (that means every new combination
of harness and rescue system) must be checked by a qualified paragliding professional for
compatibility. To verify the installation, you must perform a test deployment by sitting in a
simulator.
Rescue parachutes should be repacked at least every 150 days; so installing your rescue in a
new harness may also provide a good opportunity for a repack. After every repack of the rescue
parachute you should also do a compatibility check. Make sure that the rescue parachute can be
released from the rescue container attached to the harness—it must be done by you, the pilot,
sitting in the harness hanging from a simulator.
WARNING: If you are in any doubt
about any aspect of rescue
installation, seek professional
advice.
IMPORTANT: You must perform a test
deployment from a simulator to
verify the installation.
17
Adjustments
Adjust the Yeti to suit your physique and flying style. It is important to adjust it correctly to
ensure you can easily slide into the sitting position after take off. A poorly adjusted harness can
adversely affect the flying characteristics of your paraglider.
Perform adjustments before your first flight by hanging in a simulator and fine-tune the settings
if necessary during your first few flights.
Shoulder Straps
The optimum setting for the shoulder straps depends on the height of the pilot. Stand upright
with the chest/leg straps closed, and symmetrically adjust the shoulder straps until they are a
snug fit, but not tight. To loosen the shoulder straps, pull up and back on the plastic adjustment.
Chest Strap
The adjustment of the chest strap controls the distance between the carabiners and affects the
handling and stability of the glider. Widening the distance between the carabiners increases
feedback from the wing and allows for easier weight shifting. Closing the strap gives you a more
stable feeling in turbulence but increases the risk of stable spiral and also the risk of twisting!
The chest strap may also be adjusted in flight according to the conditions; for example, it may be
tightened in turbulent air and flown at a looser setting in less turbulent or weak conditions.
Tighten by pulling on the orange loop and loosen by pulling on the red.
Side Straps
The side straps adjust the sitting position of the pilot. The tighter the adjustment the more
upright position the pilot will adopt. Adjust by pulling up and forward on the orange loops.
CAUTION: If not properly adjusted
you my cause damage to your
harness or increase the risk of an
accident in flight.
NOTE: The first step to good
flying is properly adjusting your
harness before take-off.
SEE PAGE: 28 for diagram
18
Flying with the Yeti
General warnings and advice
Before every flight, check the following:
Are you in good physical and mental condition?
Are you familiar and compliant with all applicable laws and regulations in your area?
Are you within the certified weight range of your paraglider?
Do you have the necessary valid insurance cover (e.g. liability, medical, life)?
Are you briefed thoroughly about the site, airspace and expected weather conditions of the
day?
Is your equipment and choice of site suitable for your level of experience?
Do you have a suitable helmet, gloves, boots, eyewear and adequate clothing?
Are you carrying some form of identification, so that people know who you are in case of an
accident? Take along a radio and mobile phone if possible.
Do you fully understand how to safely use your new equipment? If not, have your instructor
or dealer explain anything you are not sure about.
When you go for your first flight on your new Verso, be sure to pick a day and site that does
not present you with any unfamiliar challenges. During your first flight, familiarize yourself with
the in-flight characteristics of your new harness.
Pre-flight checks
As part of your normal pre-flight check routine, check that:
Is there any damage to the harness or carabiners that could affect its airworthiness?
Is the rescue parachute container closed correctly with the pins in the right position?
IMPORTANT: Use a complete and
consistent system of pre-flight
checks and repeat the same
sequence every flight.
19
Is the deployment handle correctly inserted or attached?
Are all buckles, belts, zips securely fastened? Buckles should click into place as you close
them, and a gentle pull on the fastened buckle verifies this. Secure any zips after fastening the
buckles. Take extra care in snowy or sandy environments.
Is the paraglider connected correctly to the harness with both carabiners secured by
their locking mechanisms?
Is the speed bar is attached correctly to the glider?
Are all pockets closed properly and any loose items tied down safely?
Is the air chamber intake open and clear?
Have you closed your leg and chest straps? Double check before you take off!
Rescue Deployment
In the event of an emergency, you must quickly evaluate your height and the seriousness of the
incident. A second’s hesitation in deploying the reserve could prove fatal if there is insufficient
height. On the other hand, deploying the rescue when the glider is recoverable may result in
needless injury.
If you decide to deploy the rescue:
Look for the rescue handle and grasp it firmly with one hand
Pull sidewards and upwards on the handle to release the deployment bag from the rescue
container
Look for a clear area, and in a continuous motion, throw (and RELEASE!) the rescue away
from yourself and the glider, preferably into the air stream or against the direction of spin. After
IMPORTANT: In normal flight,
periodically feel the position of
the rescue handle so that the
action of reaching for the rescue
handle is instinctive in an
emergency.
WARNING: During any incident in
flight, always monitor your
altitude. If you have any doubt
that you have sufficient height
for recovery, deploy your reserve
without hesitation. “If low, then
throw”.
20
deployment, avoid entanglement and pendulum motions by promptly pulling in the glider as
symmetrically as possible with the B, C, D or brake lines.
On landing take an upright body position and be prepared to do a PLF (Parachute Landing Fall)
to minimize the risk of injury.
Landing with the Yeti
Before landing, slide your legs forward in the harness so that you adopt the standing position.
NEVER land in the seated position—it is very dangerous even if you have back protection.
Standing up before landing is an active effective safety precaution.
Miscellaneous
Towing
The Yeti harnesses are not recommended for towing.
Tandem Flying
The Yeti harnesses are not designed for tandem flying. See www.gingliders.com for details of
our harnesses specifically designed for tandem flying.
Flying over water
The Yeti harnesses are not recommended for the extreme manoeuvres and should not be flown
over water. Landing in water may be dangerous and could lead to drowning. Increased risk of
drowning when landing in water with an Airbag.
IMPORTANT: Each time you land,
always be prepared to perform a
PLF (Parachute landing fall).
DANGER: Water landing could
cause drowning. Do not fly over
water.
21
Maintenance and repairs
The materials used in the Yeti harnesses have been carefully selected for maximum durability
Nevertheless, keep your harness clean and airworthy to ensure the longest possible period of safe
operation.
.
Care and maintenance
Don’t drag your harness over rough or rocky ground. Avoid unnecessary exposure to UV rays,
heat and humidity. Keep the folded harness in your rucksack when not in use.
Store all your equipment in a cool, dry place, and never put it away while damp or wet.
Regularly clean off dirt with a plastic bristled brush and/or a damp cloth. If the harness gets
exceptionally dirty, wash it with water and a mild soap. Make sure you first remove the entire
sub-components for example, rescue parachute etc. Allow the harness to dry naturally in a well
ventilated area away from direct sunlight. If your rescue parachute ever gets wet (e.g. in a water
landing) you must separate it from the harness, dry it and repack it before putting it back in its
separate outer container.
After a hard landing you must check your harness for damage, pay close attention to the rescue
container and verify all of the attachments are secure.
22
Inspection checklist
In addition to regular pre-flight checks, the Yeti should be inspected thoroughly on every
rescue repack of 150 days. Additional inspections should be performed after any crash, bad
landing or take off, or if there are any signs of damage or undue wear. Always seek professional
advice whenever in doubt.
The following checks should be carried out
Check all webbing, straps and buckles for wear and damage, especially the areas that are not
easily seen, such as the inside of the carabiner hook-in points.
1)
All sewing must be intact and any abnormalities attended to immediately to avoid exacerbation
of
the problem.
Special attention should be paid to the rescue installation, particularly the elastic and Velcro
parts.
The main carabiners must be replaced at least every 5 years or after 500 hours,
whatever comes first. Impacts may create undetectable cracks that could result in structural
failure under continuous load.
Repairs
The manufacturer or an approved specialist should carry out any repair that involves critical
parts of the harness. This will ensure that the correct materials and repair techniques are used.
23
GIN quality and service
We take pride in the quality of our products and are committed to putting right any problems
affecting the safety or function of your equipment and which are attributable to manufacturing
faults. Your GIN dealer is your first point of contact if you have any problems with your
equipment. If you are unable to contact your dealer or GIN importer, contact Gin Gliders directly
via our website.
Care of the environment
We are privileged to fly in areas of outstanding natural beauty. Respect and preserve nature
by minimizing your impact on the environment. When visiting an area, contact the local club for
details of environmentally sensitive areas and local restrictions.
When your paraglider eventually reaches the end of its useful life, dispose of it with
consideration and follow any local regulations.
24
Final words...
Most of us today live in a dependent society where we are regulated and protected. There are
few opportunities for individuals to develop the self-responsibility that is the foundation of
safety in extreme sports such as paragliding.
Most accidents are caused by getting into situations that are too demanding for your level of
experience. This happens if you lack fundamental understanding, are incapable of assessing the
risk or simply do not pay sufficient attention to your surroundings or your own state of mind.
To stay safe, the best you can do is to increase your understanding, skill and experience at a
rate you can manage safely. There is no substitute for self-responsibility and good judgement.
In the end, paragliding offers a unique opportunity to learn to take control of your own destiny.
Memento mori, carpe diem!
Fly safely, and...E N J O Y!
GIN team
25
Technical data
Harness fabric
Carabiner Distance 27-42 cm
Height of main attachment points 43 cm
Yeti Xtrem
Size Size One Size
Weight (kg) 500g
Yeti
Size Size
Weight (kg) 600g
Yeti Convertible
Size Size One Size
Weight (kg) 1400g
Certification
The Yeti has EN certification, max load 100kg
Yeti & Yeti Convertible EN/LTF: PH071.2013, GX071.2013
Parachute container
Optional front container
Back protection
Optional airbag
One Size
26
Materials
Webbing
Buckles
Thread
Fabric
Polyester KEVLAR 12mm, Dyneema 25mm
3mm Slide buckle / 3mm loop
P/F 210 D/9 Bonded P/F 210 D/4 & 210 D/6 Bonded
ROBIC PING DOBBY PU 58/60”
27
Harness diagram
speed ring
rescue attachment
(no Xtrem)
leg “pass through” buckle
(no Xtrem)
pulley
shoulder adjustment
carabiner
side adjustment
chest “pass through” buckle
& adjustment
rescue tunnel
airbag attachment
(no Xtrem)
28
www.gingliders.com
Dream. Touch. Believe.
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