Our next courses begin in early March. You can check the website calendar for FBJC dates.

First of all, you must be a skydiver to take our FBJC, please email us for requirements: moab@apexbase.com

After the merger of Vertigo Base Outfitters and Basic Research into Apex BASE, we combined two first jump courses that evolved completely separately for over 15 years. With this strengthening of resources, you can now take advantage of over 30 years of knowledge, combined.

We begin by sending you the course outline and packing video tape. This will allow you to study and practice packing before actually beginning the course. By having a basic knowledge of the BASE pack job prior to arriving at the course, there won't be quite so much to absorb during the already very full 3 day course. We take 2 students max per instructor at any course, assuring you the utmost in attention to your individual needs. We move along at your pace, concentrating on the areas that you are most concerned with.

We pick you up at Salt Lake City International airport on Friday morning. We arrive in Twin Falls, Idaho in the early afternoon and then the fun begins! Throughout the weekend we will slowly cover pack jobs, the other objects, pilot chute sizes and delays, conditions, and a host of other subjects that you will need to know to become a safe BASE jumper. The BASE Course includes at least 5 BASE jumps, weather permitting, although very few of our students have left with fewer than 6 jumps. On Sunday afternoon, we will drive you back to Salt Lake City Intl. Airport.

Once you take our course, you will be family for life. As a policy, we invite all of our past students to come join us at any future course that we hold at the Perrine. If it's only been a month or two and you simply want someone to look over your pack jobs and someone to jump with, there is no charge. If it's been longer than that and you really would like full time guidance, a nominal fee will apply. This is when we start working on 2-ways, going stowed, floater exits, etc... Once you have at least 50 jumps (provided you are solid at that point) you are then invited to come join us in Moab, Utah. We do require you go through our ABAT Course for additional training in how to assess and safely jump the cliffs that surround this area.

You can call us at 435-259-1085 or e-mail us for more specific information on the course and to get a list of things that you can do while skydiving to prepare yourself for the exciting world of BASE that awaits you!


"Thanks again for a great FJC! I know I speak for the entire crew when I say you guys made it an unforgettable and absolutely positive experience. Much to my woman’s chagrin, I’m already trying to squeeze in another weekend in TF before I head to Argentina in August to feed my ski addiction." -Fritz

"Thanks for the superb training! I was impressed with both your and Mick's expertise, your eye for detail and experience.
And of course also with your personalities." -Antoine

"Just wanted to take the time to thank you for a wonderful experience in my FJC. Your staff excels in all areas from basic customer service, to ordering products from the site, answering questions, training, to the actual jumps. I was a bit nervous but Jimmy and Marta's professionalism and expertise in BASE put all my fears to rest. They were so helpful and were able to pace the course with our mixed group (# of skydives ranging from 158 - 3000) so everyone had a great time and we were even able to get 6 BASE jumps in. I did ALLOT of research before I selected a course and APEX base is by far the best option in my opinion! Read the reviews, ask your friends and I think you will agree..
Thanks so much and see you @ Bridge Day!" -John

"Hey Jimmy and Marta, Many many thanks for being the amazing people you are bringing something as amazing as BASE safely to people looking for that kind of rush. Nolan, Kelly and I are still on such a high from last weekend. Nothing could have really been better about our trip and the course. The pace at which it was led was perfect and the way information was communicated left us all feeling confident in ourselves and each other once you left and we were on our own. We are all amped for our next trip down." - Derka












ABOUT THE ABAT (Apex BASE Advanced Training) COURSE

The ABAT Two-Day Course is intended to give BASE jumpers an introduction to the rugged terrain in the Moab area. The demanding environment of the desert backcountry presents unique challenges which may not be familiar to the visiting jumpers. Various skill sets will be introduced to help you make your experience in Moab safe and enjoyable. We'll also help prepare jumpers with the proper procedures in the unlikely event of an accident. While we will focus on the peculiarities of Moab, many of the skills learned will be very valuable to you on future jumps in other remote wilderness settings. We look forward to having you join us for a great experience in beautiful Moab!

DAY ONE ( 8 AM - 6PM ):
l. INTRODUCTION ( .5 hours )
A. Why course is necessary
B. What you should expect to learn
II. BASICS OF TRAVELING ROUGH TERRAIN ( 1 hour )
A. Map skills, reading terrain
B. Proper clothing, water, food, etc...
III. BASIC CLIMBING AND ROPE SKILLS ( 2.5 hours )
A. Equipment overview
B. Knots, Anchors, Belaying, Climbing
C. Practical application of rope skills
IV. LUNCH ( 1 hour)
V. CONTINUATION OF BASIC ROPE SKILLS (2.5 hours )
VI. BREAK ( .5 hours)
VII. INTRODUCTION TO BASIC FIRST AID ( 2 hours )

DAY TWO ( 8AM - 6 PM )
I. CONTINUATION OF BASIC FIRST AID SKILLS ( 3 hours )
A. Injuries relating to BASE jumping ( fractures, head injuries, back injuries, sprains, etc... )
II. BREAK ( .5 hours )
III. INTRODUCTION TO ADVANCED ROPE SKILLS ( 1 hour )
A. Overview
B. Ascending
IV. LUNCH ( 1 hour )
V. CONTINUATION OF ADVANCED ROPE SKILLS ( 3 hours )
A. Brief review of section III
B. Rappelling, Ascending, Basic Rescue
C. Introduction to area SAR teams & medical facilities
VI. BREAK ( .5 hours )
VII. CONCLUSION ( 1.5 hours )
A. Brief review of the course material
B. Practice Scenario
C. Once you passed the practice scenario you will hold the ABAT course certificate.

Here is a review of the course from a student who took the ABAT in April of 2007:

When I first started BASE jumping, I wanted only the best and most patient, involved teachers. Due to the high risk of the sport, I did more due diligence than I normally would when researching learning venues. The more research that I did, the more the direction kept pointing back to APEX BASE. I took my First Jump Course (FJC) in June of 2005. Jimmy Pouchert and Marta Empinotti from APEX are hands down two of the nicest people that I have met. Their dedication to the sport and safety of their students is unparalleled. Upon leaving the First Jump Course, I felt confident that I had the skills and knowledge to begin my career as a BASE Jumper. Over the nearly two years that I have been in the sport, APEX has always been available to answer any questions that I had, be it on equipment, objects, sites, conditions, general knowledge, events, etc.

APEX BASE has done it again! I recently took the APEX ABAT (APEX BASE Advanced Training) Course. Though this course is not centered around learning to BASE Jump, as that is what the FJC is for, it brings the student into an arena that at some point or another in a BASE Jumper's career, everyone will experience. Although the course focuses on back country BASE in the Moab area, I left there with much more than what their course description eludes. The ABAT course is two full intensive days of training in everything from rappelling and climbing to first aid, map reading, and much more. When I reflect on the course, I now feel confident that I can assist in rescues that occur not only in the sport of BASE Jumping, but any outdoor activities where persons are susceptible to injury. This course is indispensable for every BASE Jumper. I would sincerely like to thank Jimmy, Marta, and our instructor Matt, for all of their time and dedication that they gave in the course.

Apex is the epitome of quality, class, dedication and professionalism in every aspect of their business. I recommend APEX not only for the superior equipment that they produce, but for the exemplary standards that they exhibit in their ethics, education, and safety. Thank you to APEX BASE, Todd Shoebotham, Jimmy Pouchert and Marta Empinotti for their continued support and helping me to become the educated BASE Jumper that I am.

Lee Sammartino
Gravity Seeker Inc.

Contact us in Moab for more details.
moab@apexbase.com