I am surprised that no-one has mentioned the effects of wind gradient - in a glider you speed up to approach, and the stronger the wind the more you speed up. As you do not have any spare energy in the engine, speed is the only way you can do it. I once lost 20k at about 50' at Dunstable on my first east wind solo. At an approach speed of 65k, no problem but the chap behind me spun in trying to do a 360 after a cable break, and his lower wing got into the wind gradient.
Just like motorcyclists learn to read the road surface better, and yachsmen often know more about the relationship between sea and wind, glider pilots seem to be much more concious of air and wind conditions. Although I am biased on all counts, I think a bit of gliding is excellent preparation for power flying.