ctdahle's advice is right on the nose. But everyone in this hobby has their own opinion, and the one thing I would say differently is to check out your local club before doing anything.

The easiest way to find them is to look for hobby shops that specialize in R/C airplanes. There should be some in the yellow pages providing you're not too far in the boonies. Ask them where the local club flies and what days they're usually out there. Then go visit them. Chances are, they may even let you have a little stick time on one of their airplanes.

Once you see them fly, you'll know if it's what you're looking for.