Paraclete XP8

08/05/2026

⚠️ XP8 Athlete Profile Alert! ⚠️

Today we're spotlighting the one and only Mr. (Dr.) Candyman - James Hall!

Slot: Inside Rear

Number of jumps: 2,200

Years in the sport: 18

Years on the team: 2

Where did you start jumping: I started jumping with the Georgia Tech Skydiving Club at Skydive Atlanta in Thomaston, GA.

History with other teams:

I started my skydiving career in 2008, competing in 2way formation skydiving and sport accuracy at USPA Collegiate Nationals. I got hooked on 4way at Collegiate Nationals two years later with GT Wreckless. Over the next 11 years, I trained and competed with progressively more capable teams: Deland Momentum, Fast 4ward, Redline XP, Vega XP, Lightspeed XP, and now XPerimental.

2019 was a big year for me. Redline XP won the Advanced class of the USPA National Championships. Later that year, I got my first taste of competing on the world stage, competing with The French 8way Team (a US team comically named after the team's organizer and my Redline XP teammate, Louis French), at the 2019 FAI World Cup.

My 8way career also started that year with Erratic8, a project that eventually grew into Bra Nok XP. Bra Nok is Norwegian for "Good Enough". That name was chosen because our goal was to qualify for the next World Cup. We managed to qualify and in 2023 I got to compete in Norway with both Lightspeed XP (4way) and Bra Nok XP (8way).

Other disciplines you've tried: My career has been almost exclusively 4way and 8way. In the tunnel, though, I've enjoyed learning vertical, but still haven't figured out how to fly head down...yet.

Favorite training day snack: Candy!!! Just kidding... kind of. I'd have to say Quest Protein Chips. (Author's note: he's not kidding, bring him candy and he'll love you forever)

Other jobs: I'm an independent financial advisor with Black Raven Investments, LLC.

Other hobbies: Speedflying, speedriding, skiing, kite boarding, running, swimming, general athletics

Ask me for help with: Anything! I'm usually pretty good with engineering questions.

Favorite Skydiving Memories:

Norway 2023 is probably one of the most memorable trips for me. In addition to getting to compete in both 4way and 8way next to the best teams on the planet, the local community was incredibly supportive and welcoming, and the scenery was unbelievable. Before and after the meet, Skydive Voss took us on a couple mountain jumps, where we got to fly our canopies into this giant, amazingly beautiful fjord. I will never forget flying just over the edge and diving my canopy next to the waterfall.

Skydive Paraclete XP Paraclete Xp SkyVenture Sun Path Products, Inc Performance Designs CYPRES TonySuits LB Altimeters Cookie Helmets US Parachute Team Carpe S&S Precision

07/22/2026

🚨🚨 XP8 JERSEYS ARE HERE 🚨🚨

🔥 OFFICIAL XP8 TEAM JERSEYS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE! 🔥

Want to look fast even when you’re standing still?
Want to confuse strangers into thinking you’re part of the team?
Want to dramatically improve your chances of being recognized at the drop zone? 😂

👉 GET YOUR XP8 JERSEY!

📸 Check out the photos in comments to see the different sizes on actual humans—because apparently “one size fits all” is not a legitimate sizing strategy. 😂

XS- Jen Davidson
S- Carl Kallgren IV
M- James Hall
L- Doug Barron
XL- Kevin Penn

Rep XP8. Rep the team. Rep the people who willingly jump out of perfectly good airplanes and then argue about grips afterward. 🤣🔥

Order yours on our website now https://paracletexp8.com/shop/ols/products/xp8-usa-team-jersey

🪂💥 XP8 — LOOK FAST. FLY FAST. WEAR THE JERSEY.

These jerseys aren't just gear - they're a way to be part of the team and help us represent the USA on the National and World stage. Every jersey purchased helps support training, travel, competition expenses, and the XP8 journey. These limited-edition jerseys are built for supporters, skydivers, fr...

06/10/2026

⚠️ XP8 Athlete Profile Alert! ⚠️

This week it's the other half of the Davidson-duo, Mr. Muscles himself, Matt Davidson!

Slot: Outside Rear (OR)

Number of jumps: 27,000+

Number of years in the sport: 36

Number of years on the team: 5

Where did you start jumping: I started at age 16 as a birthday gift from my parents at Fort Rucker Sport Parachute Club, Fort Rucker, Alabama. My first jump was out of a UH-1 Huey helicopter.

History with other teams: I started doing rookie 4-way with the Carolina Sport Parachute Council in 1992 before entering the Army, eventually earning a position on the U.S. Army Parachute Team, “The Golden Knights.”

I spent my first two years on the Knight’s Style and Accuracy team which also trained 4-way for the international military skydiving championships (CISM). I then tried out for and made the Knight’s 8-way Formation Skydiving Team at the end of 1995. From 1996 through 2000, I trained in both the 4 and 8-way disciplines. I left the Knights for a little over a year, becoming a member and eventually Team Leader of the 82nd Airborne Division’s All American Free Fall Team where I performed demonstration jumps across the U.S. and used my experience to start a 4-way competition element with the team. I rejoined the Knights in 2002, primarily doing 4-way with the Formation Skydiving competition team before reforming the 8-way team in 2009. It took us two years of training for us to begin dominating at the world class level from 2011 to 2018. A day after my retirement from the Army in 2019, with family and friends still in town from my retirement ceremony the day before, I hopped on a flight from North Carolina to Skydive Arizona where I joined Arizona Airspeed 4-way team after they unexpectedly lost a team member three months prior to the U.S. National Championships. I stayed with Airspeed through the 2019 World Cup Championships then returned back to North Carolina to join Paraclete XP8 for the 2020-2024 seasons. Over the course of those years my teams and I won 8 World Championships and achieved 10 World Records. I, “retired” for a year before rejoining Paraclete XP8 for the 2026 season. I really enjoy this team lineup. The newer members bring a bright and refreshing enthusiasm for the sport and for the 8-way discipline.

Other disciplines you've tried: I’ve dabbled in skysurfing and the vertical disciplines but have remained largely a 4 and 8-way specialist.

Favorite training day snack: Ground beef and rice with salsa, plain yogurt parfait, Metrx Big 100 protein bar.

Other jobs: 4 and 8-way and peak performance coach, government contractor, House music DJ, cartoonist, and aspiring Key Note speaker and consultant.

Other hobbies: Working out, rock climbing, paddle boarding, juggling, cartooning (I drew two coloring books for the Golden Knights demonstration teams to hand out to kids around the world for airshows and other events and I had a weekly comic strip for a newspaper when I was 9).

06/03/2026

⚠️ XP8 Athlete Profile Alert! ⚠️

This week we're getting to know the mustache man himself, Doug Barron

Slot: Outside Front

Number of jumps: Around 14,000

Years in the sport: 23

Tears on the team: 1

Where did you start jumping: Chambersburg PA

History with other teams:
VTSD
Carolina Turbo
TubOcho
XP8-2014
SDC Rhythm XP
Prison 9

Those are the main ones

Other disciplines you've tried: Not much, no time or money haha

Favorite training day snack: protein bars (David), White Monster, or a meal prep meal, 4oz ground beef 150g of rice and butternut squash

Other jobs: Husband

Other hobbies: working on cars, building a turbo RSX, working on my yard and upkeep on our house

Ask me for help with: Sun Path containers or PD canopies

Favorite Skydiving Memories: Jumping with my dad over the pyramids, winning 2019 nationals in 4 way, first exit from the 250, doing a Huey jump with my wife for our first year anniversary.

05/27/2026

⚠️ XP8 Athlete Profile Alert! ⚠️

Today we're getting to know everyone's favorite, the tiny but mighty Pocket-Ninja herself: Jen Davidson

Slot: Tail

Number of jumps: Approximately 9,000

Years in the sport: 19 years total

Years on the team: 2

Where did you start jumping: Paradise Skydives in Vinton, IA. It closed down a few years ago.

Competition history: I started jumping in 2007, and went to Golden Knight Assessment and Selection in 2008. I spent two years on the Gold Demonstration Team, where I had the opportunity to compete at CISM in 2009 in classic accuracy and as the alternate in 4way. I did my first US Nationals in 2010 on a pickup VFS team called Pickup Stix, and an 8way team called Black Ice, lead by Andy Honigbaum.

The following year, I moved from the demo team to the newly created Golden Knights Womens 4way team GKF4. We were together for 6 years, culminating in winning the World Meet in 2016. That team disbanded, and I moved over to the Golden Knights 8way team, and we were able to win at the World Meet in 2018. I stayed on that team through the rebuild that followed and into covid.

In 2022, I left the Golden Knights to attend Army flight school for a little over a year, where I became a Blackhawk Helicopter pilot. When I came back, I filled the empty slot on XPG4, as well as the alternate position on GKXP8 for the 2024 World Meet.

Other disciplines you've tried: 16 and 10way at Nationals. VFS and MFS, though only with pickup teams. Style and Accuracy for CISM.

Favorite training day snack: Anything easy to eat on the go! Also peanut butter is my love language.

Other jobs: Army helicopter pilot

Other hobbies: flying, escape rooms, board games, travel, rock climbing, wood working

Favorite Skydiving Memories: Jumping into the Statue of Liberty while I was on the demo team is definitely up there! Also the first time making the podium at US Nationals in 4way.

Skydive Paraclete XP Paraclete Xp SkyVenture Sun Path Products, Inc Performance Designs CYPRES TonySuits LB Altimeters Cookie Helmets S&S Precision US Parachute Team Carpe

05/24/2026

Support the dream. Represent the team. 🇺🇸🪂

Official team jerseys are now available as a fundraiser for the ✈️ Paraclete XP8 USA 8-Way Team ✈️

Every jersey purchased helps support training, travel, competition expenses, and the journey toward representing the USA on the national and world stage. 🇺🇸

These limited-edition jerseys are built for supporters, skydivers, friends, and family who want to be part of the XP8 journey.

🔥 6week production time- First bulk order due June 30th
🇺🇸 Support elite 8-way competition skydiving
🪂 Train hard. Compete harder. Represent with pride.

Thank you to everyone backing the team and helping make this season possible. Your support means everything.

These jerseys aren't just gear - they're a way to be part of the team and help us represent the USA on the National and World stage. Every jersey purchased helps support training, travel, competition expenses, and the XP8 journey. These limited-edition jerseys are built for supporters, skydivers, fr...

05/22/2026

Want to join the XP8 Event Club? 🔥🚀

This is more than just events — it’s a community built on adventure, commitment, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re chasing new challenges, meeting great people, or working toward exclusive XP8 rewards, there’s a place for you here. 👊

Current top members are already making moves:
🥇 Mike Wright — 9 events
🥈 Stan Kay — 8 events
🥉 Betancourt — 7 events

Hit 15 XP8 events and earn:
✅ A FREE day on XP8
✅ Invitation to the next XP8 tryout
✅ 10% off the event of your choice

Ready to level up and become part of the XP8 family? Join us at the next event! 🔥

INTRODUCING the XP8 Event Club! Cost: $25 (+shipping, if applicable) What is included: an XP8 Event Club Keyring your first XP8 event charm Collect 15 XP8 event charms from qualifying events, and you earn: a day of training with XP8 (your slot of choice, 15 min tunnel, 6 jumps) an invitation to atte...

01/14/2026

Wrapping up some incredible days of 16-way training with an amazingly fun group of participants in Abu Dhabi. Competition starts tomorrow, stay tuned for some 16-way and 8-way action!

📸 Kevin Penn

Skydive Paraclete XP Sun Path Products, Inc Performance Designs CYPRES TonySuits LB Altimeters Cookie Helmets S&S Precision US Parachute Team CLYMB Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

12/01/2025

Celebrated our USPA national championship win with a week of progression, competition, and maybe a couple of beers, or three - at French Hell Week at Weembi. The event pairs up fliers of different skill levels into teams with your favorite XP8 teammates as player coaches. It was amazing to see the progression this year - all the XP teams really impressed with how quickly they took their flying to the next level.

Looking to join in on the fun? Message us about joining for some 16-way fun in the world’s largest indoor skydiving facility in Abu Dhabi this January!