I have done a fair amount of gliding in my time, and I have mixed feelings about it all. It is pot luck to find a good club with instructors that are enthusiastic, and are able to teach others..
I did spend a lot of time (and money) at one club... I found that behind the scenes a lot of politics was going on, that managed to spill over to us poor students.. And it showed in various ways..
The training that I did was with one instructor who was fairly good. At odd intervals I was passed onto another instructor. Towards the end of my time with them on a course I went out with the CFI ... Most people were frightened of the CFI.. My experience was one of the best ones that I have ever had.. With the CFI I got to learn how to track over land, keep station over a particular spot and many other little things that you don't normally do. I learned how to make very small delicate movements and really control the aircraft. It was hard work, yet enjoyable. The CFI was talking to me all the time, and in turn I was talking back.. My second time out with the CFI was as good.. Landed out.. Most of the landing approach was done by myself, only on the final approach over a road into a very small field did the CFI take over.. And as a bonus to that experience. I was allowed to take off on a short tow rope.. I lost it after a minute or so. Short tow isn't all that easy, as some will know..
All of the above came crashing down the next day. New instructor, fading light.. To say that I was being treated by him as a beginner wouldn't do justice.. He picked faults in everything I did. Took control from me at virtually every opportunity.. That included the landing that I had set up near the hangars that as far as I was concerned was perfect in position and speed.. I didn't bother going back to the club. I had, enough of it.. Such a shame really.. It took me ages to go back to gliding.. Power was a lot more relaxed and more organised..
The club is still very active.. But I will never go back to them.. They lost me and they lost my two sons who glide at another club..
I still love flying and fairly active on that front. Most memorable time was in Switzerland at Bex.. Lovely club and super people..
Astral