I taught myself to fly RC in 1974. I used a 1/2A, high wing, 3-channel 'trainer' plane that was an ARF from Hobby Shack.

I did not keep a log book, but I estimate that my first 30-50 flights on that plane ended up in a crash. A repairable crash, but a crash none the less. At last, I finally flew it until the tank ran dry and then made a successful landing. I was elated. However, the poor airplane did not look anything like it had started out as, and probably weighed twice as much.

So, it is doable. You can teach yourself to fly RC without an instructor.

But, you will absolutely not be able to do so without making mistakes, and having crashes. On a pond, that probably means sinking your model and radio equipment.

That said, I am 100% certain that if you buy RealFlight RC simulator and practice, practice, practice on it (which is a lot of fun BTW) you can successfully fly your first model and have it survive. I am totally convinced you can do so. Get the RealFlight as others have also mentioned.