ABAT 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 ):

• INTRODUCTION ( .5 hours )
  • Why course is necessary
  • What you should expect to learn
• BASICS OF TRAVELING ROUGH TERRAIN ( 1 hour )
  • Map skills, reading terrain
  • Proper clothing, water, food, etc...
• BASIC CLIMBING AND ROPE SKILLS ( 2.5 hours )
  • Equipment overview
  • Knots, Anchors, Belaying, Climbing
  • Practical application of rope skills
• LUNCH ( 1 hour)
• CONTINUATION OF BASIC ROPE SKILLS (2.5 hours )
• BREAK ( .5 hours)
• INTRODUCTION TO BASIC FIRST AID ( 2 hours )

DAY TWO ( 8AM - 6 PM )

• CONTINUATION OF BASIC FIRST AID SKILLS ( 3 hours )
  • Injuries relating to BASE jumping ( fractures, head injuries, back injuries, sprains, etc... )
• BREAK ( .5 hours )
• INTRODUCTION TO ADVANCED ROPE SKILLS ( 1 hour )
  • Overview
  • Ascending
• LUNCH ( 1 hour )
• CONTINUATION OF ADVANCED ROPE SKILLS ( 3 hours )
  • Brief review of section III
  • Rappelling, Ascending, Basic Rescue
  • Introduction to area SAR teams & medical facilities
• BREAK ( .5 hours )
• CONCLUSION ( 1.5 hours )
  • Brief review of the course material
  • Practice Scenario
  • 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.