On Aug 17, 7:07*am, Eric Greenwell wrote:
Does anyone know where and why the seemingly bizarre custom of throwing
a bucket of water on a newly soloed glider originated? Or the just as
odd custom of cutting off the shirt tail?

I've never seen either here in New Zealand. Going solo is one of many
offenses punishable by buying the beers that evening, which I would
suggest is a better tradition, at least for those who like beer.