Jim Walker, President of Excalibur Gymnastics in Virgina Beach, coaches US National Team Member Randy Stageberg. In his spare time Jim builds pits.
He uses a unique design, suspending cables one foot above the floor, supporting foam and matting above.
I’m hearing great things about them. You cannot yet order one of Jim’s pits yourself, as he only does them for friends. (Friends like WOGA, University of Georgia, Beigers, Hills, Parkettes. Those kind of friends.)
If you want to know more, leave a comment below.
10 comments ↓
Any idea what Jim’s background is? I’m not trying to raise a ruckus, just curious – the design looks pretty intense and on the site it says he has a degree in phys ed. The only thing that makes me think otherwise is that Gustavo Moure, their other elite coach, has a civil engineering degree… I would hope that if he had part in the design that he’s getting some credit. Looks pretty cool though!
Is that sort of like a bungee pit?
Jim actually built a spotting platform for a friend of mine. I think that he’s just pretty good at that sort of thing.
anyone got schematics, blueprints, materials list? haha
Actually Rick, Jim will retrofit anybody’s pit, just contact him at Excalibur. I am presently with Jim in Boston, we are at Brestyan’s (Alicia Sacramone) tomorrow and then on to Connecticut for some more pit work. And yes his work is top notch and no, Gustavo has nothing to do with the design. Jim guarantees his work which is a lot more than you can expect from most contractors and trades people nowadays
We are a brand new gym and would like to put an above ground pit in. We currently have a 5 foot high platform that is 20 feet long by 10 feet wide. Are there any plans out there for a pit like this and is it safe? We don’t have elite tumblers, our highest is a level 7. I welcome any comments.
Thanks,
Millie
I have known Jim for 27 years. He is VERY cabable of building (and teaching) anything you can imagine. I’ve tumbled into his pits. They are more than safe.
Anyone have any thoughts on Jims construction technique for a skatepark foam pit to be used by bikers and skaters? I’m also trying to find a place for foam blocks. Our pit is 13 feet by 22 feet by 5 feet (has to accomodate BMX bikes…) thanks all and great work Jim thanks for publishigns ome photos. – Dirk
What does he think you be ideal for a small pit just for doing flips in the garage under $500. Just mini trampoline to flip onto a pad, or pit?
“… flips in the garage under $500 …”
For that much money you can do as many flips as you want at an adult recreational gymnastics program.
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