Northville, NY, BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch in the News
July 22, 2025
It’s been a humbling week at BoardSafe Docks. Our Adaptive Kayak Launch received a lot of press in the last two weeks. 👏👏👏 Our kayak launch caters to a wide range of abilities, providing universal access to paddlers seeking to enjoy the water.
BoardSafe’s Launch was recently featured in the Adirondack Explorer Magazine.
You can read the full article here: ADA-compliant kayak launch opens Northville Lake to all Adirondack paddlers, or listen to it here: on.soundcloud.com/D3jTBZzWpjwPrRmvH.
BoardSafe’s Kayak Launch is one of the first of its kind in the Adirondacks and is making an impact for all who are looking for an easier way to enter and exit their kayaks.
Learn more about the launch by watching BoardSafe’s YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/wgoPlmAgtV8?si=jp9UHSThHM4aiOVq
We’re sure you’ll want to visit this serene lake on your next visit here! 🚣
facebook.com/share/r/16bGRcmR66/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Thank you, Northville Rotary Club, for partnering with BoardSafe Docks!
BoardSafe Docks is an industry leader in designing, engineering, and manufacturing aluminum marine access systems. With a focus on innovation, BoardSafe is known for our expertise, innovative problem-solving, and collaboration with clients to create customized solutions. Our high-quality products, which include adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, floating dock systems, gangways, and pedestrian bridges, are built to withstand challenging environmental conditions.
BoardSafe is committed to accessibility and will guide our customers to create systems that offer universal access and provide accommodations for a wide range of user abilities.
Contact us at BoardSafeDocks and allow us to assist you with improving water access points at your lake, river, or community, or give us a call at 610-899-0286 for your free consultation. #AccessYourAdventure
BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch Enhances Paddling at Erie Canal Bicentennial
All photos credit: Mohawk Valley Pictures
On Saturday, June 14th, 2025, paddlers from across Central New York gathered to celebrate a once-in-a-generation milestone, the 200th anniversary of the historic Erie Canal. The annual Boat, Float ’n’ Folk Festival in Chittenango, NY (just east of Syracuse), offered the perfect setting for the celebration, combining history, music, community, and the great outdoors. This year’s event had even more to celebrate with the ribbon cutting of a brand-new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, now open to paddlers at Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum.
Paddlers of all ages and experience levels took to the calm, flat waters of the Old Erie Canal, starting from various launch points, most notably the BoardSafe Dock installed at Poolsbrook by the Manlius Recreation Department. There were four available paddles that day, all ending at Chittenango for the festivities. The new BoardSafe launch made it easier than ever for participants to safely enter and exit the water, including those with mobility challenges. Its adaptive design features stability, accessibility, and durability that invite everyone, from first-time paddlers to seniors, families with kids, and adaptive paddlers, to confidently experience the water.
As kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards floated peacefully past historic aqueducts, over sunken canal boats, and through wide water sections of the canal, the impact of the new launch was evident. One paddler commented, “This is the easiest and safest launch I’ve ever used. It really sets the tone for a relaxing and enjoyable trip.” Over 200 paddlers joined the float, many taking part in a commemorative drone photo to mark the Erie Canal’s bicentennial in a truly unforgettable way.
BoardSafe’s mission to create inclusive access to waterways aligned beautifully with the spirit of the day, honoring the past while looking forward to a more accessible and adventurous future on the canal. The new launch provides a permanent improvement for the Chittenango community and its many visitors, ensuring the Erie Canal remains a recreational destination for generations to come.
The celebration concluded with the folk festival at Chittenango Landing, complete with live music, food trucks, artisan demonstrations, and a petting zoo. It was a day full of history, laughter, and paddles raised in joy.
Whether you missed the festival or want to come back for more, the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park remains open for paddling all summer. Thanks to BoardSafe Docks and our partners, the water and its history have never been more inviting.
For vacationers looking to learn more about the Erie Canal and its history, the following sites can help you plan your trip: NY State Parks & Historic Sites, NYS Canal Corporation, Village of Chittenango, Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, Town of DeWitt Parks and Recreation, Town of Manlius Recreation Department, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, Madison County NY Government, and Tour the Towpath.
For over 20 years, BoardSafe Docks has been a trusted leader within the commercial dock-building industry. BoardSafe’s team has the resources, knowledge, and experience to successfully take projects from inception to completion, delivering them on time and exceeding client expectations. We specialize in aluminum-welded floating docks, adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, rowing centers, gangways, pedestrian bridges, and other waterfront access products.
If you’re looking for safe access to the water, give us a call at 610.899.0286 or contact us through BoardSafeDocks.com and allow us to find a solution for improving access to your waterfront. Your paddling community will appreciate the investment!
#AccessYour Adventure
BoardSafe Paddle Center—Accessible Kayaking in Downtown Pittsburgh
Whether you’re a first-timer paddler or one who is seasoned, the Venture Outdoors Paddle Center by BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, PA, is open and ready for some summer paddling fun. Venture Outdoors' new concession hub is located just outside the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh.
Ash Andrews, president and CEO of Venture Outdoors, talks with Daisy Jade of Pittsburgh Today Live, explaining the benefits that BoardSafe’s Floating Dock system brings to Pittsburgh’s residents and guests. You can watch the full interview from the Pittsburgh Today Live show here.
Venture Outdoors Paddle Center offers water access for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and other outdoor educational experiences. Renters can reserve sit-in or sit-on-top, single or tandem kayaks, as well as stand-up paddleboards. The launch provides a “smooth like butter” entry into the Allegheny River, stated Andrews, who demonstrated the launch and spoke about the mission and vision for the new facility. The paddle center’s main focus is on having three accessible kayak launches, plus one launch with additional adaptive features specifically to accommodate paddlers in wheelchairs. The fourth launch is equipped with a boarding bench that is equal to the height of a wheelchair, an overhead grab bar, a step-down bench with a pull-out seat, grab straps and pull bars, and a stable cradle that eliminates the fear of tipping when entering and exiting the vessel.
During the interview, Andrews shared that this is only Phase 1 of the project and stated that Phase II will be completed sometime next year, after some additional fundraising.
Those who are willing to support Phase II of their venture are encouraged to donate through their Adopt-A-Kayak Program. The city is supporting great things happening on its rivers with hopes of drawing more visitors to its waterfront. Venture Outdoors has a mission to remove barriers and provide inclusive programming to all, and their new facility does all that. The link to learn more or donate is found here: ventureoutdoors.org/adopt. For more information about using the facility or registering for special events, you may contact them at 412.255.0564 or [email protected].
Phase II includes replacing the temporary structures on the dock with an aluminum-welded floating boathouse that will provide better safety to employees and allow them to house the organization's kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
The new building will allow Venture Outdoors to increase their recreational offerings and allow for more educational programs right on the water. Donations and support will help them do even greater things and continue to break down barriers to nature in downtown Pittsburgh.
Interested paddlers can check out the Venture Outdoors website for a calendar of events that includes special offerings, group lessons, and even a night paddle!
BoardSafe Docks, the designer, engineer, and manufacturer of Venture Outdoor’s Paddle Center, is recognized for:
- ADA Gangways, aluminum-welded floating dock systems, accessible fishing piers, and adaptive kayak launches that provide accessible and inclusive waterfront experiences for individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges. Our products provide universal access for all and offer multiple accommodations, including a boarding bench with a pull-out seat, additional safety features, and a stable boat cradle that facilitates safe and independent access to the water.
- Durable Aluminum Floating Dock Systems: Our floating docks are engineered with high-quality materials, such as marine-grade aluminum, composite decking, and plastic encapsulated flotation, ensuring durability and longevity. Our systems are known for their ability to withstand fluctuating water levels and harsh weather conditions. BoardSafe's floating docks are also praised for their versatility and ease of expansion.
- One-Stop Shop for Waterfront Projects: BoardSafe Docks provides a comprehensive service, handling everything from design and engineering to manufacturing and installation of our products.
- Expertise in Waterfront Accessibility: BoardSafe collaborates with adaptive paddling groups, environmental engineers, landscape architects, and other experts to continuously innovate and improve our accessible products, making us a leading voice in aquatic recreation accessibility.
To learn more, give BoardSafe a call at 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.
Pickwick TN Adds BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch to Park Amenities
BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, PA, is helping to connect anglers, and now kayakers, to Bill Dance Signature Lakes throughout Tennessee State Parks.
Those who love to fish in Tennessee waters are seeing significant improvements to their lakes, thanks to the Bill Dance Signature Lakes initiative. Legendary fisherman Bill Dance is the inspiration behind the Signature Lakes program. For over five decades, the bass fishing superstar has taught generations how to fish. Dance, who is the most recognized bass angler of all time. became famous not only for fishing, but for his TV shows: Bill Dance Outdoors and Bill Dance Saltwater. Dance’s Signature Lakes initiative is a collaborative effort of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee State Parks, and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Their goal is to improve and enhance Tennessee Lakes, increase visitation, and honor Dance’s legacy.
In 2023, BoardSafe Docks improved fishing and boating access to Pickwick Dam by designing, engineering, and manufacturing improvements to the lakes’ gangways, courtesy boat docks, and accessible fishing piers. BoardSafe’s system and fishing piers attract local anglers and are a well-known and popular launch location for many professional bass tournaments, like the Bassmaster Elite Series and the Collegiate Bass Championship.
View the project video here: Floating Dock System at Pickwick Dam in Tennessee.
As of June 2025, recreational kayakers can enjoy the same top-notch experience. The recent addition of a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch is another welcome amenity and another big draw for the park. People love to kayak, and the new launch will offer an additional form of water recreation to its visitors.
We’re often asked, “Who can use the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch?”
BoardSafe’s adaptive launch is designed and manufactured with specific features that make it safer and easier for paddlers in wheelchairs to access their kayaking vessel. The aluminum-welded frame, side-by-side gangway and chute, roll cage with overhead grab bar, optional hand straps, and slide-down seat with a pull-out bench provide universal access, so everyone benefits.
However, one of the best testaments to BoardSafe’s launching system is the ability to launch your kayak and keep your feet dry, with no fear of tipping your vessel. The secure cradle keeps the kayak steady until it enters the water.
While the features have been designed and engineered with adaptive paddlers in mind, the launch offers access solutions that make it easier for everyone and can be used by anyone who wants to get out and paddle on the water. The launch connects paddlers to nature and offers a unique blend of adventure, activity, and a deeper connection to the environment and the many joys that kayaking brings.
About BoardSafe Docks
BoardSafe Docks is the trusted designer, engineer, and manufacturer of aluminum floating courtesy docks, adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, gangways, and pedestrian bridges. The sales team at BoardSafe Docks is always available for questions and consultation. They will assist you with finding your optimal waterfront solution by talking through your challenges and recommending a customized solution for your waterfront. Our systems provide individualized and custom solutions, ensuring the best possible user experience and a long-lasting system for our customers. They’re not just selling you a commodity, and their expertise, knowledge, and success in the industry are a step above the rest.
Here are project profiles that make BoardSafe Docks unique:
BoardSafe Creates Paddle Access to Chattahoochee River, GA
Tulsa’s Adaptive Kayak Launch: A Model of Accessibility & Innovation
BoardSafe’s innovative, floating designs enable the creation of new access sites and the updating and improvement of existing access sites. We work closely with landscape architects, engineers, and project planning teams to find the best solution for unique access points. For additional information, visit our website at BoardSafeDocks.com or give the sales and design team a call at 1-610-899-0286 to assist you with your design solution. #AccessYourAdventure