Attention Juniors: The Bitterwasser Cup is taking flight on WeGlide

🌍 In partnership with Bitterwasser Lodge, we're launching an international junior development program for the next generation of soaring pilots.

It’s a dream that drives so many of us—the one you see come to life on WeGlide every winter (northern hemisphere). We're talking about those endless convergence lines, the vast dune landscapes, and that magical number on your logger: 1000k. While these flights have become almost routine for the top pilots, some are now pushing for the 1400. It's a matter of lining up all the right conditions, and when that happens, a 1500k flight seems like it's just a matter of time.

For many, this dream is forever tied to one name: Bitterwasser 💎. But what makes this place so special? Bitterwasser isn't just a glider airfield. It’s a performance hub, a vibrant heart of the global soaring community. Here, you meet like-minded pilots from all over the world, share stories from the day's flight over an exquisite dinner, and forge friendships that last a lifetime.

When you're not chasing kilometers, a refreshing pool, massages, or a game drive with a sundowner on the dunes offers plenty of relaxation. And then there’s that one, very special ritual: Anyone who completes their 1000 km FAI diploma gets to plant their own palm tree, leaving a timeless symbol of their triumph in the Kalahari. Now, there’s also a digital palm tree badge on WeGlide, exclusively for Bitterwasser pilots, marking the foundation of a promising partnership.

The Bitterwasser Cup

Driven by the pursuit of great goals and the nurturing of talent, the Bitterwasser Cup was created some time ago. Originally open to all age groups, the cup later became an exclusive competition for juniors. The result: a wave of fresh, young energy at the lodge. And for these young pilots, the opportunity to prove their skills in Namibia has increased significantly. The prize is sponsored by the Bitterwasser Lodge to make this exact opportunity a reality for the next generation of top pilots.

The Bitterwasser Cup is more than a competition. It’s a promise. A promise to the most talented and ambitious juniors that their dedication and passion can take them to one of the most incredible soaring destinations in the world. The main prize—a ten-day stay at Bitterwasser, including a glider—is the biggest motivator for many juniors early in their careers. The Bitterwasser Cup has since become one of the most prestigious decentralized competitions for junior development in soaring.

A New Chapter

Even the greatest ideas need a home to reach their full potential. That's why we at WeGlide are incredibly proud and excited to announce: Starting next season, the Bitterwasser Cup will be hosted on WeGlide!

Every evolution requires the courage to change. After many successful years, the organizers have made a forward-thinking decision. To maximize the relevance and appeal of the competition for the next generation of top pilots, WeGlide is the perfect home. This step honors the competition’s history while resetting its compass—pointing directly toward the vibrant junior community that has made WeGlide its digital meeting place. We look back with respect on the history of the Bitterwasser Cup and look forward to continuing this success story together with the organizers.

How to Make Your Dream a Reality

Here’s where it gets exciting: the prize isn't reserved exclusively for German juniors. We’re thrilled about this! So many countries have talented young pilots who deserve to prove their skills in Namibia. Now is your chance!

For the Bitterwasser Cup, the launch location must be a country in Europe. You can upload your flights from Poland, France, the UK, Spain… it doesn't matter. In theory, a junior from, let's say, Australia or the USA could upload flights from Spain and win the Bitterwasser Cup (for example, during a soaring holiday in Fuentemilanos). We are very excited to see what creative approaches we'll see in the coming years. Further overview of the rules:

• You can participate if you are under 25 years old or your 25th birthday falls within the calendar year of the flight.
• Your five best flights will be scored according to the Junior Challenge rules.
• As the winner of the Bitterwasser Cup, you will receive the prize from the Bitterwasser Lodge. If you have already won the prize before, it will be awarded to the next-highest ranked competitor.
• The flight must be documented with an IGC-approved logger.
• You must accept the prize at the WeGlide Symposium.

What to expect

8 flying days in Bitterwasser, plus 1 day each for arrival and departure. A free flight from Frankfurt/Main to Windhoek and transfer to the lodge and back to Windhoek. You’ll receive free room and board, including drinks (excluding alcohol). During your stay, you will also be provided with a glider from the Bitterwasser Lodge.

You'll share this incredible experience with up to three other juniors (who won a stay from the Wilfried Großkinsky Foundation as part of the 1000 km Camp) 🌴.

You can find more information and a list of former winners at the following link:

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