Woody Valley Xpression User manual

Please read this manual before flying with the X-PRESSION
for the first time.

THANK YOU!
We would like to thank you for having chosen one of our products, and we invite you to read this important document, the User Manual for the harness. Please pay
special attention to the two most important paragraphs, regarding:
Insertion of the reserve parachute.
The reserve parachute is a piece of equipment that may save your life. It must be treated so that it works correctly when it is required, whether this happens in
two days’ time, or two years from now.
Adjusting the harness.
The harness forms the connection between the pilot and the paraglider, and it is an essential component in optimizing performance and the pleasure of flying. A
bad harness that is well adjusted may enable you to fly well, but a good harness that is badly adjusted may put you off flying altogether.
We are confident that this harness will give you greater comfort, control, performance and enjoyment in flight. We are conscious of the fact that reading an
instruction manual is not an exciting experience. However, please remember that the respective product is not a citrus juicer or a mobile phone, and that correct
use of the harness helps reduce the risk of flying accidents. This manual contains all the information necessary to assemble, adjust, fly and store your harness.
Thorough knowledge of your equipment will improve your personal safety and your level of flying.
The Woody Valley team
SAFETY NOTE
You have purchased a piece of equipment manufactured by us, and
so you are aware of your identity as a paraglider pilot holding the
respective pilot’s licence, and you accept all the risks connected to
paragliding including the possibility of injury and death. The
incorrect or inappropriate use of Woody Valley equipment greatly
increases this risk. In no case can Woody Valley and the Woody Valley
retailer be held responsible for personal injury caused to yourself or
to third parties, or for whatever type of damage. If you have any
doubts on the use of our equipment, please contact your retailer or
the importer for your country.

INDEX
1- GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1- CONCEPT ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
1.2- X-PRESSION PROTECTION.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
1.3- S.O.S. LABEL..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
2- BEFORE USING THE HARNESS ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1- ASSEMBLING THE DORSAL PROTECTION FOR X-PRESSION .....................................................................................................................................................................................................3
2.2- RESERVE PARACHUTES ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
2.2.1- Connecting the deployment handle to the deployment bag .............................................................................................................................................................................4
2.2.2- Connecting the reserve parachute to the harness..............................................................................................................................................................................................4
2.2.3- Inserting the reserve parachute into the X-PRESSION harness ......................................................................................................................................................................7
2.2.4- Reserve parachute deployment................................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
2.3- HARNESS ADJUSTMENTS............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
2.3.1- Adjusting the sitting position....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
2.3.2- Adjusting the back......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
2.3.3- Shoulder-strap adjustment .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
2.3.4- Chest strap adjustment ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11
2.3.5- Leg strap adjustment ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
2.3.6- Installing smoke canisters........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
3- FLYING WITH THE X-PRESSION HARNESS ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.1- PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
3.2- POCKETS ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
3.3- DUAL FLIGHT ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................15
3.4- FLYING ABOVE WATER...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................15
3.5- TOW BRIDLE CONNECTION.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................16
3.6- LANDING WITH THE X-PRESSION HARNESS ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................16
4- FEATURES AND ASSEMBLY OF OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
4.1- ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENT OF THE SPEED-SYSTEM.............................................................................................................................................................................................................16
4.2- COCKPIT AND FRONT BALLAST ASSEMBLY ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................17
4.3- LEG COVER ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................17
4.4- RELAX-BAR...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................17
5- MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
6- TECHNICAL DATA ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19

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1- GENERAL INFORMATION
The equipment supplied should comprise:
- Harness
- Wooden seat plate
- Hook-in karabiners
- 2 floating reserve parachute deployment handles
- 3 elastic loops for fastening the reserve parachute
The optional extras comprise:
- Speed-bar
- Relax-bar
- Front ballast pocket
- Leg Cover (wind-proof protection)

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1.1- Concept
X-PRESSION is a product that was developed entirely by Woody Valley to meet the demands specifically expressed by our pilots. This paragliding harness was
designed principally for pilots who fly aerobatics and freestyle, but also for pilots who like to fly in a seated position. In building this harness, we have dedicated
meticulous attention to even the smallest details regarding comfort and safety.
X-PRESSION was designed for maximum comfort and simplicity of use. Its compact and attractive design makes it pleasant and smart.
The overall geometry of the harness gives the pilot a better perception of the sensations transmitted by the paraglider, while maintaining a feeling of maximum
safety in flight. This increases precision in handling and facilitates active flying techniques. The harness is fitted with the “T-LOCK safety system,” which prevents
the pilot from sliding out of the harness in the case that he or she has forgotten to fasten the leg-straps.
1.2- X-PRESSION protection
X-PRESSION is fitted with dorsal protection in foam with a thickness of 14 cm. A sheet of high-density polyethylene on the outside of the foam dorsal protection
provides a barrier in the case of collision with pointed objects, and the reinforced external fabric reduces the damage that could be caused to the harness by
abrasion. This dorsal protection was designed to help the pilot in case of impact, reducing the energetic intensity of deceleration. However it cannot completely
eliminate the risk of injury.
1.3- S.O.S. label
This label, coloured red with white lettering, is readily visible in a pocket on the right shoulder-strap padding. It is easy to pull out, and it is fastened to the harness
to prevent it from being lost. On the back of this label, you can write the information that you think should be given to rescue personnel in case of accident.

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2- BEFORE USING THE HARNESS
X-PRESSION must be assembled by a qualified paragliding professional, such as your instructor. More specifically, great care has to be dedicated to inserting the
reserve parachute into the harness in the correct way. Only after this has been performed should the pilot adjust the harness for maximum comfort.
2.1- Assembling the dorsal protection for X-PRESSION
Woody Valley recommends that assembly should be performed in the sequence detailed below. In case of doubts or any other problems regarding this procedure,
please consult your instructor, your Woody Valley retailer, or the importer.
Normally the product is supplied with separate dorsal protection in foam and rigid plastic. This is rolled and packed separately. In this case, follow these steps for
its installation:
a. Remove the protection from its packaging (once it has been removed from its packaging, the foam may take about 2 hours to return to its normal shape)
b. Open the zip inside the rear storage pocket.
c. Insert the foam protection. It will automatically take up the correct position.
Do not place the foam protection below the cross-buckles on the back of the harness.
Should it be necessary to remove the protection, just extract it following the steps described in point “b”.
2.2- Reserve parachutes
The containers for reserve parachutes are placed under the front part of the harness seat. The containers are large enough for most reserve parachutes on the
market today. The reserve parachute must be attached to the harness before it is inserted into the container built into the harness. This connection takes the
form of a dual bridle fixed to the harness at shoulder height, for better load distribution and to ensure a correct landing position in the case that the reserve
parachute is deployed. This helps reduce the risk of injury to a minimum. The reserve chute bridle has a large central loop coloured red, and this is reinforced with
a cover in Cordura 500. At the extremity of the loop, there is a Velcro band which enables the link with the reserve parachute to be held firmly in position.

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2.2.1- Connecting the deployment handle to the deployment bag
X-PRESSION is supplied with a handle for reserve parachute extraction. It is identified with the number 9; this handle alone should be used for this purpose.
The black loop attached to the handle itself should be passed into the loop on the deployment bag, and then the entire handle should be passed through its own
loop and pulled tight. For easier extraction, the loop attached to the deployment bag should be positioned laterally with respect to the centre of the reserve
parachute. If your deployment bag does not have this loop, please contact the retailer from whom you purchased the reserve parachute.
2.2.2- Connecting the reserve parachute to the harness
There are three different methods of attaching the reserve parachute bridle to the harness bridle.
First system:
Use a screw-lock karabiner with a breaking strength of at least 2,000 kg. In this case, the bridles should be held in position within the karabiner using elastic bands,
to prevent the karabiner from rotating and taking the strain laterally instead of vertically. The karabiner’s screw-lock should be tightly screwed shut to avoid any
possibility of it opening accidentally. This type of connection can absorb a higher opening shock than the second system, and for this reason this is without doubt
the recommended system.

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Second system:
The reserve parachute bridle is passed through the loop at the end of the harness reserve parachute bridle. The reserve parachute itself is then passed through
the large loop in the reserve parachute bridle. This connects the two bridles. The loops should be pulled as tight as possible to avoid any chance of dangerous
friction developing between the two bridles during the shock caused when the reserve parachute opens. To ensure that the link between the two bridles remains
tight, remember to fasten the knot using the Velcro strip on the harness reserve parachute bridle.
Third system:
If you are using a reserve parachute with directional control and dual bridle, or if your reserve parachute in any case has a double-riser bridle, it can be connected
to the harness using the two loops positioned at the base of the harness bridle, near the padded shoulder straps. In this case, the harness’ reserve parachute
bridle will not be used, and so it should be folded, fastened using two elastic bands, and positioned under the cover behind the pilot’s neck.

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The two connections should be made using screw-lock karabiners with a breaking strength of at least 1,400 kg. In any case, it is important to verify that the length
of the bridle is sufficient to position the reserve parachute inside the harness pocket, and that there is sufficient play to enable the parachute to be taken out of
the pocket without causing the reserve parachute deployment bag itself to open during extraction.
IMPORTANT: To prevent anomalous lateral loads, the bridle should be attached to both the loops on the shoulder straps. Not to just one of them.

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2.2.3- Inserting the reserve parachute into the X-PRESSION harness
Insert the reserve parachute into the pocket of the harness, so that the handle is visible and facing outwards, and the loop connecting the handle to the
deployment bag is facing upwards.
Thread a thin cord (such as paraglider riser cords) through each elastic loop. This will help close the pocket.
Thread the elastic loops into the smallest of the eyelets on the pocket flaps. Close the flaps following the order shown in the photographs below.

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Push the metal pins on the handle into the elastic loops and under the transparent cover. It is essential to remove the cords after this operation. The cords should
be pulled out slowly in order not to damage the elastic loops by excessive friction. Lastly, the handle should be positioned under the elastic cover.
Repeat all the operations described above to insert the second reserve parachute.
IMPORTANT:
Every new combination of reserve parachute and harness or the external container assembled for the first time should be tested by an official harness or reserve
parachute dealer, or by a flying instructor. Deployment of the reserve parachute should be perfectly feasible from the normal flying position.

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2.2.4- Reserve parachute deployment
It is vital to feel periodically for the position of the reserve parachute deployment handle during normal flight, so that the action of reaching for the reserve
parachute handle becomes instinctive in an emergency.
In emergency situations, the deployment procedure is as follows:
Look for the reserve parachute handle and grasp it firmly with one hand.
Pull the handle outwards in order to extract the reserve parachute from the harness container. Look for a clear area, and, in a continuous motion, throw the
reserve parachute away from yourself and the paraglider. After the reserve parachute has opened, avoid entanglement by pulling in the paraglider, gripping at
least one D line, or the brake lines, in order to collapse the glider. On landing, adopt an upright body position, and ensure that you perform a PLF (Parachute
Landing Fall) to minimize the risk of injury.
2.3- Harness adjustments
The X-PRESSION harness provides a number of methods of adjustment so that the pilot can fly in the ideal position. A little time has to be invested in finding the
optimum position, but this effort will be rewarded by exceptional comfort in flight.
Before making any adjustments, the reserve parachute must be in position.
To find the best position, we suggest hanging in your harness from a suitable point of support, simulating flying position and conditions. For this reason, it is best
to place all the things that you would normally carry with you when flying into the back pocket (rucksack, accessories, extra clothing and other sundry items).
2.3.1- Adjusting the sitting position
The first adjustment procedure regulates the angle between the thighs and the back (depth of seat). This angle can be varied from about 90° to 130°, by adjusting
the straps running through the lateral trimmers.
The lateral straps help you adjust the sitting angle, and they provide leg support on long flights.

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2.3.2- Adjusting the back
Adjusting the back is achieved by means of just 2 settings. This system was designed specially for this type of harness which, even when subjected to high
centrifugal forces, retains the configuration to which it was adjusted.
2.3.3- Shoulder-strap adjustment
Shoulder-strap adjustment enables the harness to be adjusted to the pilot’s height. The adjustment buckle is situated low down, near the rear edge of the seat.
The shoulder-straps also support part of the torso weight to improve comfort.

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2.3.4- Chest strap adjustment
The chest strap adjusts the distance between the two karabiners, and it can be set between 37 and 48 centimetres. When the chest strap is tighter, stability is
greater. We recommend a length of about 40-42 cm. A wider distance does not improve glider performance, and a smaller distance can accentuate the effects of a
“twist” following an asymmetric collapse.
The X-PRESSION harness has a strap that holds the pilot tightly to the harness. This provides a sensitivity of handling that is better than anything that you may
have experienced previously. In active piloting techniques, this sort of sensitivity is very important.

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2.3.5- Leg strap adjustment
Because the leg straps are attached relatively high up, the pilot has considerable freedom in thigh movement. Normally, the manufacturer’s original setting should
be satisfactory. However it is important to try reaching the correct seated position in the launch phase without using your hands, by testing the movements in a
flight simulator. If you cannot achieve the seated position without using your hands, the sitting angle has to be checked, and then the leg straps should be
readjusted.
IMPORTANT
All adjustments have to be performed symmetrically on both sides.
2.3.6- Installing smoke canisters
The X-PRESSION harness was designed specifically for use with a smoke canister, and it has the equipment necessary for its rapid release.
To install the canister, follow these steps:
1. open the small zip in the lower part of the harness
2. insert the small metal hook into the eye
3. thread a thin cord, such as a paraglider riser cord, about 30 cm long, into the eye, and make a small loop at the end of the cord
4. thread the loop of the cord into the small metal hook
5. in order to prevent the metal hook from damaging the harness fabric, place the end into the small pocket, and close the zip.

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Fix the smoke canister to the cord using adhesive tape. When in the air, release the canister by pulling the red sphere on the left shoulder strap with a vigorous
movement.

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3- FLYING WITH THE X-PRESSION HARNESS
3.1- Pre-flight checks
For maximum safety, use a complete and consistent system of pre-flight checks and repeat the same mental sequence every flight.
Check that:
all buckles are fastened. Take particular care in the case of ice or snow. Always clean off snow or ice before fastening buckles;
the reserve parachute handle is fastened in its correct position, and the pins are firmly inserted;
pockets and zips are closed;
the paraglider is connected correctly to the harness, and that both karabiners are locked closed by means of their locking system;
the speed bar is attached correctly to the glider.
3.2- Pockets
The X-PRESSION harness has a roomy dorsal pocket, and a useful pocket on the right shoulder strap, which is ideal for holding a waterproof acoustic variometer.

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3.3- Dual flight
It is possible to fly dual with the X-PRESSION harness, but we would like to point out that this harness was not designed specifically for dual flight.
3.4- Flying above water
X-PRESSION was created for pilots who like freestyle flying and who are accustomed to flying above water for safety reasons. For this reason, the X-PRESSION
harness is fitted with a drainage valve that facilitates drying and transportation after a water landing. We recommend removing the wooden seat plate for faster
drying: however the timber from which it is made was chosen and tested from a range of woods in order to identify that best suited for this purpose.
Woody Valley recommends using a suitable lifejacket when flying above water.
If the reserve parachute is deployed over water, we would like to point out that both deployment handles were designed so that they float together with the
deployment bag, preventing it from being lost.

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3.5- Tow bridle connection
The X-PRESSION harness can be used for towed launches. The tow bridle release should be hooked directly to the main karabiners, ensuring that the karabiners
are positioned with the opening bar facing the rear. For further details, refer to the documentation provided with your tow release, or ask a qualified towing
instructor at your flying site.
3.6- Landing with the X-PRESSION harness
Before landing, slide your legs out and off the seat surface, so that you take up a standing position. Never land in the seated position; it is very dangerous for your
back even if you have dorsal protection, which provides exclusively passive protection. Standing up before landing is an active safety precaution, and it is much
more effective than passive forms of protection.
4- FEATURES AND ASSEMBLY OF OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
4.1- Assembly and adjustment of the speed-system.
After having adjusted the sitting position to the optimum configuration, the accelerator must be adjusted. This harness is compatible with all normal types of
speed-system accelerators.
The elastic in front of the board holding the speed-bar prevents the reserve parachute handle from becoming entangled in the speed system during deployment
of the reserve parachute. The speed-bar cords are threaded firstly through the eyes fixed to the elastic in front of the board, and then into the harness through
the eyes near the front corners of the seat, after which they are led through the pulleys near the rear corners of the seat and brought directly up to connect to the
paraglider risers. To adjust the system correctly, the pilot has to adopt a flying position in the harness, suspended from a flight simulator, and hook into the risers
of the paraglider. Another person then helps by supporting the risers, so the pilot can adjust the length of the speed-system cords. When no pressure is exerted on
the speed bar, the bar must be at a distance no greater than 10 cm below the front of the harness. If the speed-bar cord is too short, it could cause a constant
force on the bar during flight, so that the accelerator is unintentionally engaged at all times in flight. It is safest to take off with the speed-bar a little too long,
progressively shortening it during the next flights. Remember that all adjustments have to be performed symmetrically, on both sides.

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4.2- Cockpit and front ballast assembly
On all our harnesses, a special front container can be fitted, complete with ballast, map case and instrument panel. The only exceptions are harnesses with a
front-mounted reserve parachute, or in which the cockpit has been integrated into the structure of the harness itself.
The “cockpit and front ballast container” is fixed using the webbing loops which are hooked into the main karabiners. The karabiners should be opened and passed
through the red loops of the support strap, with the opening bar facing the rear. A webbing triangle is sewn to both sides of the container, with a fastening buckle
that can also be used for adjustment. By modifying the position of the fastening buckle and the length of the strap, the height and inclination of the instrument
panel can be varied as required.
4.3- Leg Cover
Leg Cover is a product that has been developed uniquely by Woody Valley in order to ensure unequalled comfort. The special cover in waterproof, vapour-
permeable fabric ensures protection from the cold and provides an improved aerodynamic profile. To fit the leg cover to the harness, follow the instructions
provided in the Leg Cover instruction manual.
4.4- Relax-bar
A relax-bar can be fitted to all our harnesses, except for those already incorporating this accessory. The relax-bar is used to keep the legs stretched out and the
feet resting on a support. Some pilots consider this flying position as more comfortable than the classic seated position with legs hanging.
To attach the relax bar to the harness, follow the instructions provided in the relax-bar instruction manual.