The Wilddog Story
WilddogZA was founded by two passionate athletes—Linton Hope and Hayley Nixon—who share a deep commitment to growing the sport of surfski and supporting paddlers with the nuts and bolts of smart, sustainable training.
Hayley Nixon, a world champion and trailblazer in the paddling world, has since moved to Jupiter, USA, where she’s once again building a paddling community from the ground up—proving that passion and perseverance know no borders.
Linton Hope continues to lead WilddogZA, bringing his expertise in heart health, endurance training, and athlete development to every program and challenge we offer. His focus is on helping paddlers train with purpose, push their limits, and stay connected to the joy of movement.
together, their legacy lives on in every challenge, every training plan, and every paddler who joins us on the water
The Wilddog Legend
The name Wilddog carries more than just grit—it carries the legacy of Wayne Wilson, a man whose adventurous spirit knew no bounds. Dubbed “Wilddog” by those who knew him best, Wayne was the kind of person who tackled the toughest challenges with zero hesitation and a heart full of fire.
From rugged coastlines to unforgiving terrain, Wayne’s fearless pursuit of the extraordinary inspired a movement. His story lives on in every challenge we create, every athlete we support, and every moment we choose courage over comfort.
WilddogZA is proud to carry forward his name—not just as a brand, but as a mindset.