RE: What planes do you recommend as a first sailplane?
If you don't mind building a kit, You need to look at the NEsailplanes Kestrel 2 meter. This is a $80 kit and flies as good as all the above planes. It builds very light and is strong as well. It has a 3021 airfoil and handles the wind good. My longest flight was an hour after coming down to launch height 3 times and back up. Love this plane.
Jeff