My first land out was in a SGS 1-26, 4 miles from the club field. I had taken a tow and felt a big bump at about 1800 feet and thought it would be cool (and save money) to get off tow at that point. Circled back to the thermal(?) and struggled about 6-8 minutes to get any altitude: none to speak of and decided that safety was the best choice. I found the biggest fallow field and set up a good short approach to the field, just touched down past the fence and put the skid in the dirt. 150 feet from the fence, in a big field, with the only gate on the other side. Dragged the glider across the field just as a farmer came up as asked if I wanted a ride to the club field. Iwas fortunate as the club planned to de-rig that glider in the evening for a safari and I didn't have to put it back together.

Never get off tow to be cool!!

Mike B.