Woody Valley X-Alps GTO User manual

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 inserted 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 great 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 this 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.
Team Woody Valley
SAFETY NOTE
By the purchase of Woody Valley equipment, you are responsible for being a certified paraglider pilot and you accept all risks inherent with
paragliding activities including injury and death. Improper use or misuse of equipment greatly increases these risks. In no case shall Woody
Valley or Woody Valley equipment resellers be held liable for personal or third party injuries or damages under any circumstances. If any
aspect of the use of our equipment remains unclear, please contact your local reseller or Woody Valley directly.

INDEX
1- GENERAL INFORMATION..................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1- CONCEPT...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
1.2- X-ALPS GTO PROTECTION .................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
1.3- MINI T-LOCK SYSTEM ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
1.4- S.O.S. LABER .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
2- BEFORE USE......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1- RESERVE PARACHUTE ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
2.1.1- Connecting the deployment handle to the deployment bag........................................................................................................................................4
2.1.2- Connecting the reserve parachute to the harness.........................................................................................................................................................5
2.1.3- Inserting the reserve parachute into the harness..........................................................................................................................................................7
2.1.4- Extracting the reserve parachute .......................................................................................................................................................................................8
2.2- FRONT RESERVE PARACHUTE...............................................................................................................................................................................................................9
2.2.1- Connecting the deployment handle to the deployment bag........................................................................................................................................9
2.2.2- Connecting the front emergency parachute to the harness .................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.3- Inserting the front emergency parachute ..................................................................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.4- Extracting the front reserve parachute.......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
2.2.5- Back storage pocket............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
2.3- HARNESS ADJUSTMENTS .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
2.3.1- Adjusting seat and back position ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
2.3.2- Shoulder strap adjustment................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
2.3.3- Chest strap adjustment ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
2.3.4- Leg strap adjustment .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18

2.3.5- Stabilizer................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 19
2.3.6- ABS adjustment .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
2.3.7- Leg cover................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
2.3.8- Speed-bar adjustment ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
3- FLYING WITH THE X-ALPS GTO HARNESS........................................................................................................................................................ 22
3.1- PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
3.2- POCKETS............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 22
3.3- WATER BLADDER ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
3.4- FRONT BALLAST INSTALLATION AND USE OF THE COCKPIT .............................................................................................................................................................. 24
3.5- INSTALLING THE LOWER BALLAST..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
3.6- FLYING ABOVE WATER ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
3.7- AERO-TOWING HOOK ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
3.8- LANDING WITH THE X-ALPS GTO.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
3.9- HARNESS DISPOSAL .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
3.10-RULES OF CONDUCT IN NATURAL ENVIRONMENT............................................................................................................................................................................ 28
4- PACKING THE HARNESS.................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
5- FEATURES AND ASSEMBLY OF OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES .............................................................................................................................. 30
5.1- BALLAST BAG .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
5.2- EMERGENCY PARACHUTE CONTAINER WITH DEPLOYMENT ON THE LEFT ......................................................................................................................................... 30
5.3 -SIDE PROTECTION ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 31
6- MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS........................................................................................................................................................................... 32
7- DATI TECNICI...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33

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1- GENERAL INFORMATION
This equipment should contain:
Harness
Carbon seat plate
Composite foot plate
Hook-in karabiners
Emergency parachute deployment handle
Two spare elastic loops for fastening the emergency parachute container
Three step speed-bar
Dorsal protection
The optional accessories available are:
Ballast bag, with carrying handle, tube, and drainage tap
Emergency parachute with deployment on left-hand side
Front parachute
Side protection

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1.1- Concept
Following the success of the first model, the new version of the X-Alps GTO includes a number of improvements and new technical features
designed to improve the safety and pleasure of flying, while at the same time maintaining the lightness, comfort and control requirements
that have always distinguished Woody Valley products.
The geometry of the load-bearing structure, combined with its active piloting, render it fully capable of satisfying the needs of a wide range of
pilots, while even ensuring ease of transport thanks to its exceptional lightness, and all in full compliance with the LTF protocol.
Leg-straps and chest straps are fitted with the ‘‘GET-UP safety system,’’ and with the innovative ‘‘Mini T-Lock system’’ that prevents the pilot
from slipping out of the harness in the case that he or she has forgotten to fasten the leg straps.
1.2- X-ALPS GTO protection
The X-ALPS GTO harness is fitted with new LTF-certified dorsal protection with a 12 cm layer of foam.
1.3- Mini T-Lock System
The Woody Valley team has renovated its previous DRC system by developing a new mechanism that’s aimed at addressing the issue of
forgetting to fasten the chest and leg straps. The system includes two females buckles attached to a load bearing carabiner, and another
attached to the leg-cover’s closure element; the central element that allows for the buckles to be fastened is attached to the leg strap: in this
manner, in order to properly close the leg-cover, the pilot is required to grasp the leg strap, and is thus reminded to close it.
The new system offers improved manageability and a more intuitive interface, and can even be used even while wearing gloves.

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1.4- S.O.S. Laber
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.
2- BEFORE USE
The X-ALPS GTO harness is supplied with dorsal protection and a polycarbonate plate, which have already been assembled by the
manufacturer. The emergency parachute must be fitted with great care by a qualified professional, such as your instructor. Only after this
operation should the pilot adjust the harness for optimum comfort.

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2.1- Reserve parachute
The new X-Alps GTO provides for two configurations:
1. with the parachute container in the classic position, beneath the seat at the front;
2. with a second parachute lodged beneath the cockpit at the front (optional).
The lower reserve parachute must be attached to the harness before being inserted into the built-in container, which has been modified with
an elastic bulkhead that allows for parachutes of different volumes to be inserted in stable positions. This connection withe the harness 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.
2.1.1- Connecting the deployment handle to the deployment bag
X-ALPS GTO is supplied with a handle for reserve parachute extraction. It is identified with the n. 6; 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.

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2.1.2- 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 2400 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.
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.

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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.
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.

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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.
2.1.3- Inserting the reserve parachute into the 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.

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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.
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.
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.
2.1.4- Extracting the reserve parachute
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.

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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.
2.2- Front reserve parachute
The emergency parachute container is in the ventral section. The container was designed for very light emergency parachutes, with a lower
volume than standard chutes. The parachute has to be connected to the bridle provided before inserting it into the ventral container. The
bridle splits into two straps which are fastened to the main harness karabiners. With this type of link between the emergency parachute and
the harness, the emergency parachute can be deployed from left or from right.
2.2.1- Connecting the deployment handle to the deployment bag
X-ALPS is supplied complete with the handle for parachute deployment, marked as n° 13; this deployment handle only should be used.
The black loop on the handle should be put through the loop attached to the deployment bag, and then the entire handle should be passed
through the handle’s loop in order to link the two. In this harness, to facilitate deployment, we recommend linking the handle to the loop
situated in the central part of the deployment bag. If your deployment bag does not have this loop, please contact your emergency parachute
retailer.

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2.2.2- Connecting the front emergency parachute to the harness
There are two methods for connecting the emergency parachute bridle to the harness risers.
First system:
Use a karabiner with a screw collar and a breaking strength of at least 2400 kg. In this case, the emergency parachute risers should be held in
position within the karabiner using elastic bands, to prevent the karabiner from rotating into a lateral position which could cause it to undergo
a dangerous lateral stress in the case of deployment. The screw collar should be tightened very firmly to prevent accidental opening.
This type of connection can withstand a higher shock on deployment than the second system, and it is without doubt the best system to use.
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

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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.
2.2.3- Inserting the front emergency parachute
Fasten the emergency parachute bridle using the two Velcro strips inside the parachute container, ensuring that the two loops leading to the
main karabiners are on opposite sides and emerge from the cockpit symmetrically, therefore with the same length. These two loops also
make it possible to adjust the height of the container. We recommend fastening the Velcro as shown in the photo, in other words with the
edge at the extremity of the container. If this is not satisfactory, remove the emergency parachute and repeat the steps as described below.
Then carefully arrange the bridle inside the container.

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Insert the parachute into the harness container so that the deployment handle is visible and facing outwards, and with the loop that connects
the handle to the deployment back facing upwards. Thread a thin cord (such as a paraglider shroud line) into each elastic loop. This will make
it easier to close the container.
Insert the elastic loops into the smaller grommets (smaller with respect to the others on the edge of the container). Close the flaps in the
order shown in the drawings/photos below.
Insert the metal pins into the elastic loops and insert the handle beneath the fabric flaps. The cord must absolutely be removed at the end of
this phase, and must be extracted slowly in order to avoid damaging the elastic loops due to excessive friction between the parts. Once the
parachute has been inserted into the container, it must be secured to the harness by connecting the loops on the restraint ropes to the
carabiners: the loop on the right always remains fastened to the corresponding carabiner, while the loop on the left must be connected when
closing the harness before each takeoff.

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The container is connected using the special buckles and must be fastened to the leg-cover using the zipper. The parachute container houses
the instrument compartment, which is also connected using a zipper.
IMPORTANT:
- Each new combination of emergency parachute and harness or emergency parachute container to be assembled for the first time should be
checked to ensure that the emergency parachute can be correctly deployed, by an official harness or emergency parachute dealer, or by a
flight instructor. Emergency parachute deployment should be perfectly feasible from the normal flying position.
-Before takeoff, always check to make sure that both of the front parachute’s loops are attached to the corresponding carabiners.
2.2.4- Extracting the front reserve parachute
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.

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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.
2.2.5- Back storage pocket
To reach the back storage pocket, first of all you have to completely open the zip on the aerodynamic part of the harness towards the rear,
and then turn over the aerodynamic tip. This will provide access to the storage pocket, which is opened by means of another zip. This pocket
was specially designed with a size and shape suitable for a pair of telescopic walking poles (maximum length 67 cm in the L size), as well as
the rucksack and a windcheater jacket: in other words, the equipment required by a hiker. The tips of the telescopic walking poles should be
inserted into the metal grommets at the bottom of the pocket, as shown in the photo. To close the pocket and the aerodynamic part of the
harness, just close the two zips.

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IMPORTANT:
- Overfilling the back pocket could prevent the correct inflation of the aerodynamic part of the harness.
- Arrange the objects evenly throughout the entire space of the dorsal pocket, so that the harness profile is not deformed.
- Do not place any objects inside between the inflatable section and the pocket.
- Remember to close the zip of the aerodynamic part of the harness, in order to ensure correct inflation.
2.3- Harness adjustments
X-ALPS GTO is supplied already adjusted to a standard ergonomic setting, apart from adjustments required for pilot height. Therefore, for the
first flight we recommend adjusting the harness for height alone, leaving the other settings unchanged, because they have proved to be
satisfactory for the vast majority of pilots. If you wish to change the other settings, remember that you can always return to the factory
settings by making reference to the red marks on all adjustment straps.
Please remember that the size of your X-ALPS GTO harness should be chosen according to your height, and not according to seat width.
Unlike a harness based on a fundamentally seated position, in which the height of the seat back is not essential for good comfort, in this
harness the pilot flies in a more supine position, and so the height of the back support is very important for good comfort and a correct flying
position. Therefore it is important to select the right size, in particular as regards the height of the seat back, without worrying about the seat

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width. To adjust the harness to the optimum position, we recommend simulating flight position by hanging the harness from a suitable fixed
point, therefore with all the items that you normally carry in flight inserted into the back pocket.
IMPORTANT:
- Before making any adjustments, the emergency parachute must be inserted.
- Every adjustment must be made symmetrically on both sides.
- Every adjustment strap has to be tight.
2.3.1- Adjusting seat and back position
This photo shows how the lateral adjustments are arranged, and the many points at which the pilot is actually supported, from the upper back
down to the lumbar area. All these adjustments improve pilot support and enable the harness to be adjusted to all back types.
In the detail photo, adjustment n° 1 changes the angle between thighs and back (seat depth), distributing load between seat and the lumbar
area and thus improving pilot comfort.
Adjustment n° 3 is that which is principally used to alter the angle between the torso and the vertical. Adjustments n° 2 and n° 4 are useful for
fine back adjustments, but they are secondary adjustments that improve contact between the harness back and the pilot’s back, improving
support and comfort.