Ok, I was goin' thru some o' t' tips, and no one has done parachutes for low power for t' beginners. Arrr!

First- if your gonna use t' original parachute that comes in a low power kit, flight prep is mandatory. Apogee rockets has a whole series o' video's, and here is a link t' t' Low power parachute one.

http://www.apogeerockets.com/Getting_Started_How_to_Build_a_Rocket (step 8 be t' one you will want t' watch.)

Second- I am rather certain that t' video says this, shiver me timbers, but t' emphasize, always dry lube your plastic parachutes prior t' packin' them. This can most easily be done with a light dustin' o' comon Talc powder. Aye aye! Blimey!