By Keyonna Summers, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Mike Berthold, owner of Wet Dog Adventures, launches kayaking student Alex Stolc of Tampa at the Safety Harbor Marina boat ramp.
DUNEDIN — "Carolina Mike" Berthold decided he wanted to share his love of adventure with the world.
So in 2007, Berthold started Wet Dog Adventures, a Meetup.com group whose members convene at locations around the state — including about eight times a year at the Dunedin Marina — for kayaking trips to destinations including Caladesi Island, St. Petersburg's Shell Island and Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
The trip might include a paddling lesson by Berthold, a yoga session, overnight camping or, for a fee, lunch. Berthold's 9-year-old small business, Carolina Mike's Kayaking Adventures, is one of several sponsors of the Meetup group and rents kayaks to members as needed.
Berthold says Wet Dog Adventures, whose 1,000 members ...