Question? Did you try teaching yourself how to fly on your own when you built your first plane. If so, very un-wise. If you are going to do that, find a really cheap plane to do that with. Or find a instructor to teach you. By the way you post, sounds like it. I flew Sailplanes all the time, I thought one time I would build a 4 channel motor (glow engine OS .25) trainer and fly it thinking since I knew how to fly, lol. That lasted about 15 secs. Ailerons got the better of me. Took off real nice did a nice roll and planted in the ground. That was about 23 yrs ago. I am coming back into the hobby this yr after 27 yr break. Sailplanes/Gliders are great to learn with over motor. Reaction time is better with a glider than motor (glow engine). Using a Simulator is good if you want to get the basics of flying, it is better if you have the transmitter that you are going use with the plane set up on it. That way you get the feel for it. For me I only build Woodies, that is me. The building relaxes me. Foam is great for some people but not me. Like the others had said Gentle Lady, Sig Riser are great woody kits. Sig also has a slope glider also. http://www.sigplanes.com/Kits--Sailplanes_c_34.html
Have fun in what ever you decide.