Courses are under way for 2009! 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 70 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 435-650-2118 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!

So what are our students saying about the course? Here are some really nice clips from emails they sent us after the course:


"Hey Marta and Jimmy!
Thanks a bunch for giving me the time of my life!, you guys rule! thanks for taking the time and giving me a ton of great information for me to use in the future. the course you guys put on was amazing, and i will never forget it. I cant thank you two enough. and i cant wait to see the dvd." -Dillon

"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

"So i wanted to say thanks again, i came back home and felt more alive than ever! when i started out on that trip, i didnt know what to think really besides i must be crazy! going to idaho to base jump with complete strangers, but it was the best adventure i ever been on in my life! and i have this strange feeling that this journey into base has just started, u guys treated us like family and i was really proud to be in your course and hope u guys know u will see me again soon, u didnt get off that easy..lol i am filling out my order forms for some gear this week and faxing them in monday but in the mean time take care u guys .........later joey c"

"I am not all that sure if I can explain to you my gratitude. You guys
are amazing people and this weekend was absolutely amazing. You guys
kept me in the comfort zone throughout the class. You are both very
down to earth and I really like that. Skydiving has so many "sky gods"
and I am not a very big fan of it. You guys have taught me a lot and I
thank you very much for everything. I am sending a picture of me and
Zoe. I hope the two of you and Lua are doing great. I hope to see you
guys in MOAB some day. If you guys need anything at all don't hesitate
to ask! Eric N"

"Hi Marta, Jimmy and Mick!
First of all, a sincere thank you for bringing me to base jumping! This week-end marks a important milestone in my life and I was truly happy to have you as instructors and companions on this adventure.
I got home safely on monday night, thanks Jimmy for waking up late and making sure I get on that bus. The good news is I did not have to pay for my ride since the driver did not care...!
Back at the tunnel, I have trouble realizing what just happened, the trip went so fast and seemed so unreal that my brain refuses to acknowledge the truth. Though, the smile on my face wont go..! -) And for all that, I will be back!! ...do longer delays, master stowed jumps and try those soooo cool roll-overs!
I can't wait for the dvd to convince myself this wasn't just another dream. But no rush, patience is a great virtue. If you have some time though, I would appreciate if you could send me some meaningful pics of the exits and the group at the bridge.
Again, a true MERCI to you. The course was very professionnal yet very friendly, it answered my questions and gave me confidence in pursuing base on the good side. It made me feel part of this great sport, and this definetly was more then I was expecting.
Keep on communicating your passion!
See you back at the bridge or at some exciting exit point soon! Bruno G

To Jimmy, Marta and Lua

I would like to thank you all so much for helping to introduce me to BASE. It's such an incredible thing! I haven't felt this alive in a long time. I had such a fun time and it was such a pleasure to meet you all. I can't get over this feeling of not only joy but an exhileration I've been looking for. I can't thank you enough for opening my eyes!
Thank you again. And hope to see you soon.
Amy

I can't wait to see the videos. I had such a blast! It was every bit as informative, entertaining, and utterly mind blowing as i thought it would be. I can't wait to jump with you guys again. Chad

Thanks again for a great ambience and giving me the confidence and training to do something that I had wanted to do for a long time. Whoa!!!!!! Ken

That was a superb course. Your attention to detail and safety was notable and you both kept things fun and extremely educational at the same time. I had a wonderful time and couldn't imagine a more positive way to get introduced to the sport! David

February FBJC- Travis from California showing our friend Mario and his instructor Mick how it's done!

After the course we encourage our students to begin advanced drills. Travis is practicing his side float exit.

March 6th course- Congratulantions on a great Course! Hope to see you guys back in the near future. From left to right: Matt (California), Ian (California), Marta (Instructor), Jak (Turkey), Glenn (Australia) and Mariah (Colorado).

After the course, our student Borat wanted to show off his Khazakstanian sexy time style, even though it was snowing.

March 27th- Yet another great group of students. Matt from Australia, Corey from Virginia, Sean also from Virginia and instructor Jimmy P. Nice work out there!

End of a great day!

April 17th course- Congratulations and thank you for an awesome time! Jimmy (Instructor), Sven (Switerland/Canada), Honey (Karen from all over the world), Dillon (Canada) and Marta (Instructor).

It is always great to jump with our past students again! Jak, Marta, Jimmy, Sven, Honey, Richard, Mariah & Dillon.

May 22nd course- Memorial Day weekend course! Back Row-Joe (Missouri) Jimmy (Instructor), Steve (California), Marta (Instructor), Jason (Hawaii) Eric(New York), Mick (Instructor), Front- Brian (California) and Bruno (Montreal, Canada).

Marta shows the group how to do a Pilot Chute Assist (PCA).

June 6th course, fighting the weather the whole time. Canadian invasion! Left to right, Justin(Canada), Kelly(Canadian pirate), Chad(Mass), Cam(Canadian flexer), Marta(instructor), Mark(Canada), Jen(Canada), Jimmy(instructor). Not pictured, Dr.'s David and Doug.

All our ducks in a row!

Marta gets the doctors ready to go hand held.

June 12th course. Another fight with the weather Gods.
Back row-Ian(PA), Mike(PA), John(UK), Ken(UK)
Front-Reid(DE), Marta(Brazil), and Josh(CA)

The crew getting geared up for another jump.