Niviuk IKUMA P, User Manual

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when compared to a normal flight configuration.

5.4 SPIRAL DIVE

This is a more effective way to rapidly lose altitude. Beware that the 
wing will experience and be subjected to a tremendous amount of 
descending and rotating speed (g-force), which can cause a loss 
of orientation and consciousness (blackout). This manoeuvre must 
therefore be done gradually to increase one’s capacity to resist the 
g-force exerted on the body. With practise, a pilot will fully appreciate 
and understand it. Only practise this manoeuvre at high altitude and with 
enough ground clearance.

To start the manoeuvre, first weight shift and pull the brake toggle 
located on the inner side of the turn. The intensity of the turn can be 
controlled by braking slightly on the outer brake toggle. A paraglider 
flying at its maximum rotating speed can reach –20 m/s, or the 
equivalency of a 70 km/h vertical descent, and will stabilise in a spiral 
dive from 15 m/s onwards. Good enough reasons to familiarise yourself 
with the manoeuvre and understand how to exit it.

To exit this manoeuvre, the inner brake toggle (down side of the turn) 
must progressively be relaxed while momentarily applying tension to the 
outer brake toggle opposite to the turn. The pilot must also weight shift 
and lean towards the opposite side of the turn at the same time.
When exiting the spiral, the glider will briefly experience an asymmetrical 
acceleration and dive, depending on how the manoeuvre was carried out.

Practise these movements at sufficient altitude and with moderation.

5.5 SLOW DESCENT TECHNIQUE

This technique allows descent without straining the wing or pilot. Glide 
normally while searching for descending (catabatic) air and begin to turn 
as if climbing in a thermal. Beware of potentially dangerous areas and 

locate a suitable LZ (landing zone) while descending. Safety comes first!

6. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

6.1 TOWING

The IKUMA P is suitable for towing. Only a qualified tow operator 
should be in charge of operating a certified paragliding winch. On 
the tow, the wing should be inflated the same way used during a hill/
mountain flight takeoff.

6.2 ACROBATIC FLIGHT

Although the IKUMA P was tested by expert acrobatic pilots in extreme 
situations, it WAS NOT designed for acrobatic flight manoeuvres. DO 
NOT USE THIS GLIDER for aerobatic manoeuvres. We define aerobatic 
flight as any form of piloting where the paraglider is placed in attitudes 
that are not used in normal flight. To safely learn how to master aerobatic 
manoeuvres, instruction must be undertaken at a certified school, under 
the guidance of a qualified instructor and in a safe environment. 

A complete wing and line inspection should be performed every six 
months, including repairs if necessary, to guarantee the integrity of the 
equipment. Extreme manoeuvres means you and your wing can be 
exposed to centrifugal forces that can reach 4 to 5 G.

7. CARE AND MAINTENANCE

7.1 MAINTENANCE

Careful maintenance of your equipment will ensure continued top 
performance.