I started gliding as a teenager and now, aged 40, Captain a Boeing 737.
Gliding is an excellent way to start flying in my view. Not least because it shows commitment due to the amount of time it takes to get a launch. You have to be part of an aviation community too. This is important as getting on with folk is essential.
Even today I keep an airlfield in mind should I suffer a double hush. We practice it in the SIM occasionally. Keeping that judgment alive is important to me.
With gliding you get to know an aircrafts envelope well. You have the freedom to experiment with an aircraft in your own time thus becoming comfortable in the air.
The last time I flew a glider I soared an ASW20 to 8000 feet in a wave bar in the midlands. I don't glide these days; its too time consuming and airline rosters are to tight.
Its probably the best flying to be had though. I'm glad I didn't waste my money on beer.
[This message has been edited by Wig Wag (edited 25 February 2001).]