Congratulations. I'm glad you struck a tree, rather than someone else.
Clubs are usually arranged around areas devoid of trees and other obstacles. Plus, the spectators are restricted to areas behind you, to make it easier to avoid them, and they're not supposed to walk out on the runway into the path of the plane, like they can in any public park, vacant lot or side street. Some of us find that to be a plus.
Clubs like mine offer training, at no cost. Some of us find that to be a good thing. As you point out, however, the expense for a suitable first plane is somewhat higher. Still, the club thing has its good points, even beyond the instruction period.
Good luck,
Dave Olson
ORIGINAL: medic_4077
Are you a product of the millenium generation? Do you want it now? Need instant gratification and suffer blackouts from steep learning curves?
There seem to be two general schools of thought on how to enter this hobby (somwhat polarized):
1) buy a full blown trainer with re-usable electronics and a good transmitter, +maybe some flight sim software and get help from your local club.
2) buy a cheap RTF and be prepared to buy a few replacement parts but start flying a few hours after purchase.
I chose method 2) with the FireBirdII from HobbyZone. I learned to fly on my own at a local park for under $200 CAD (which included a roll of packing tape and 5 minute epoxy for repairs, a spare battery and a few replacement parts). You can certainly buy a 3 or 4 channel rig that has portable electronics (you can carry them up to your next plane) for only slightly more but... most people will advise you to get help from an instructor at your local club.
I chose to 'waste' some money on a 2 channel plane that had only a few upgradable options and no portability in exchange for flying the same day I bought it. Given the counter intuitive nature of RC vehicles when they are coming towards you, or doing unexpected maneuvers, etc I felt it was worth it to risk trashing a $130 CAD plane during my learning curve. Which I did, smak into a tree at full speed and only snapped the wing.
It might not be a popular opinion on the boards but anyone can jump into this hobby for less than your first day skiing, or golfing (if you include the apres ski at the bar). Some people really push the 'join a flying club' angle but it's really not neccessary. It's just a control mechanism to weed out irresponsible flyers (which is a worthy goal to be sure).