If you are going to stick with the hobby, spend the $15 to $20 and get a starter. You will be glad you did. If it is just a fad with you and you are going to fly till you crash and then quit, use a chicken stick or borrow a starter from someone at the field. You can get by with a chicken stick, but it is a pain in the butt in the long run. If you intend to stick with it, get the starter. The right tools make the hobby much more enjoyable.