King, Wisconsin, Enhances Access to Its Lake
BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, PA, the industry leader in adaptive and inclusive universal access solutions, recently worked with the town of King, Wisconsin, to provide an accessible and adaptive kayak and canoe launch. The innovative product is intentionally designed, engineered, and manufactured to provide improved access to the water, ensuring that everyone—regardless of physical ability—can enjoy kayaking and canoeing on their lake.
For many years, the BoardSafe Kayak Launch has revolutionized how people participate in non-motorized boating access, making it significantly easier for paddlers to get in and out of their vessels and access bodies of water. Communities that invest in BoardSafe's floating dock system recognize the tremendous value their launch brings to towns. The launch system fosters inclusivity, enhances the user’s experience, and improves the quality of life for residents and visitors who need and appreciate the launch’s specialized features. By prioritizing accessibility, BoardSafe Docks opens waterways to a wider audience and sets a new standard for community engagement and recreational infrastructure.
Chain of Lakes, Wisconsin
The town of King is located in the northeastern section of Lincoln County, Wisconsin. King is a popular destination with numerous fishing and boating opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Along with its natural attractions, King is known for its many resorts and campgrounds. The accessible and adaptive launch system will attract users and visitors looking for ease of use when kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
King’s project profile
The BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch includes the following features:
- One 4-foot by 12-foot ADA gangway and kayak chute combination
- aluminum construction
- aluminum decking on the gangway
- toe kick on both sides of the gangway for added protection
- bulkhead mounting kit and attachment hardware to attach to the concrete foundation
- One 8-foot by 16-foot aluminum-welded floating dock
- aluminum welded construction (more structural and durable than wood or plastic)
- composite decking; maintenance-free
- plastic encapsulated floats; non-polluting
- One Clip-A-Launch 165
- aluminum slide-down bench and pullout seat
- overhead grab bar with hand straps and pull bars
- instructional signs for proper use of the launch’s features
- The precast foundation system includes (2) 2.5’ x 2.5’ x 5’ concrete blocks approximately 4500 pounds each
How do I determine which launch design is best for my site?
BoardSafe Docks has several launch configurations available to our customers. Our well-known customer service and design assistance help customers determine which launch system will provide the optimal solution, best location, and greatest access to their waterfront. Review the link here to view one of 20 possible launch configurations that may work for your launch site.
As parks, lakes, rivers, and other outdoor facilities work to improve accessibility for all, they turn to BoardSafe’s Kayak Launch as a launch system for everyone to enjoy. Additional launch systems can be found here: BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch Locations.
For more ideas and solutions for your waterfront project, kayak launch, fishing pier, or commercial floating dock project, call 610-899-0286 or visit boardsafedocks.com.
University of Central Florida Still Enjoying BoardSafe Kayak Launch
It’s been over five years since the students at the University of Central Florida received a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch. Students and park visitors enjoy the accessible launch system on UCF’s campus at the Lake Claire Recreational Area. Using the launch is free for university students. It appears that the universal access launch system is used and enjoyed more now than when it was installed over five years ago.
With the popularity of kayaking and canoeing continuing to grow, and more people prioritizing health and fitness, kayaking offers a low-impact, full-body workout that is both enjoyable and engaging.
Kayaking statistics
Key statistics show a growing interest in recreational kayaking and paddling activities across the United States. According to Statista, the number of Americans who went kayaking in 2023 was almost 20 million, with flatwater kayaking being the most popular, accounting for close to 75% of kayakers who went out at least once last year.
The Outdoor Foundation's 2021 Outdoor Participation Report states that kayaking is the fastest-growing water sport, with a 32% increase in participation over the past five years. The same report indicates that among first-time participants in outdoor activities, 17% selected kayaking as their preferred activity. Recreational kayaks are now more lightweight, durable, and easy to maneuver, making the sport more accessible for beginners. Everyone knows getting in and out of a kayak can be difficult, making launch sites that invest in BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak, Canoe, and Boat Launch a popular locale for all paddlers wishing to access the water.
The launch at UCF’s Lake Claire Recreational Area looks as good today as it did when it was installed in 2019. BoardSafe is often asked how our launch holds up against the elements like the hot Florida sun, hurricanes, and tropical storms.
Designed for durability
We at BoardSafe pride ourselves on the engineering behind our launch. The aluminum-welded floating dock system offers a structural design and features that make it durable and maintenance-free.
Anyone who spends time on the water—be it a lake, river, bay, or ocean—knows that no two water access sites are the same and that water levels vary. Nor do they ever remain “smooth as glass.” When unusual occurrences occur, such as storms or strong wakes from other boats, docks can be in danger of severe damage. It only makes sense that BoardSafe’s floating dock system has been designed for these scenarios and will move with fluctuations in water level, wind, and weather. BoardSafe Docks offers the safest solution.
BoardSafe floating docks and launches have proven themselves through downstream currents, as well as the rise and fall of rivers due to droughts, flooding, and other common fluctuations, and have even survived hurricane forces such as Category 2 Hurricane Sally in 2020 and Category 4 Hurricane Ian in 2022.
BoardSafe’s specialty services
Part of BoardSafe’s specialty services is to evaluate the use of your docks, foot traffic, marina traffic, and the placement of the docking system on land. BoardSafe can design a floating dock system to meet your usage requirements by running calculations based on dock size, usage, and water levels at 100-foot flood stage and mean low water to maximize the location and placement of the foundation, stability of the dock, length and location of the gangway, and the size, number, and placement of flotation components.
Here are some links that showcase the installation and use of BoardSafe floating docks and launches in bays, marshes, and harbors:
- Cooper River Park, NJ, Installs Gangway and Rowing Dock
- ADA Accessible Kayak Boat Launch Installed at 5 Rivers State Park in Alabama
- Lovejoy Wharf in Boston, MA, Enjoys Renaissance
- BoardSafe Kayak Launch Survives Hurricane Sally
For more information on how we can help you design your water access point for safety and inclusion, contact us at BoardSafeDocks.com or 610-899-0286.