BoardSafe Docks Continues to Inform and Educate About Accessibility
Local and regional governments and public and private organizations overseeing waterways are recognizing the need for, and actively supporting, programs to provide access to the waters for people with mobility challenges.
As these organizations plan facilities for all of their citizens or members, they look for input from various experts in design, engineering, and installation, as well as financing, site evaluation, civic planning, and ecological impact. BoardSafe Docks works with planners and other experts to design, manufacture, and install their innovative, durable, ADA-compliant, accessible aluminum floating docks, kayak launches, and other products.
As we seek to meet, inspire, and educate public and private organizations, we attend conferences during the year to make connections that benefit adaptive sports enthusiasts and the communities in which they live.
Upcoming Conferences—Come and Meet Us!
- BoardSafe will be attending the upcoming Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention. April 10–12. https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/
UWEXLakes/Pages/programs/ convention/default.aspx - Kelly Beals will attend on behalf of BoardSafe and will have a sponsorship table.
- BoardSafe will be attending and sponsoring the upcoming NYS Canals Forum "Accessible Recreation on the Canalway" April 10th. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
accessible-recreation-on-the- canalway-tickets-845952164697? aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid= IwAR05Bz8yxxGJ980fOzOElnUEGaDz g8XxoM_sfOBu19deje_05hIXvcMuI_ w - Tom Warchol will attend and will have a BoardSafe table.
- BoardSafe will be attending and speaking at the upcoming PE-DE ASLA Meeting in SkyTop, PA, April 11th. https://na.eventscloud.com/
website/44167/conference- speakers/ - Tom Warchol will attend and speak on the subject of "Providing Accessibility for All Abilities."
- BoardSafe will be attending and sponsoring the Great Miami Riverway Summit, April 19th in Piqua, OH. https://www.
greatmiamiriverway.com/blog- entry/2024riverwaysummit - Kelly Beals will attend on behalf of BoardSafe and will have a sponsorship table.
Check back often for more opportunities to meet our crew and learn about how you can open up your waterways to friends and families of all abilities!
BoardSafe Docks Is Hiring!
Anticipated openings for:
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General Laborers and Experienced Carpenters
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Certified Welders
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Draftsmen proficient in SolidWorks to assist our current Drafting Team
Are you looking to impact people’s lives and improve communities? Are you interested in creating and improving recreational access to waterways? Do you want to work with a committed and professional team? BoardSafe is looking for candidates who will contribute to designing, manufacturing, and creating solutions for improving accessibility for all who wish to access the water.
View some of our project videos:
Safety on the Water Beyond a BoardSafe Dock
The popularity of paddlesports continues to grow as more and more people take up paddling. Paddlesports are a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors, have some fun, and stay in shape. Paddling is a popular recreational activity that family and friends can enjoy together. BoardSafeDocks has designed an inclusive launch system that gets people of all abilities into the water safely—however, safety continues beyond launching your vessel into the water.
Tips for a successful paddling experience
Many factors can turn a pleasant paddling experience into a dangerous situation. There are many steps you can take to ensure a safe paddling experience. Some of the most common tips for a successful experience are listed here:
- Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. They are proven lifesavers. One of the biggest reasons people take their life jacket off is because they find it uncomfortable to kayak with. This is why it's worth investing in a kayaking-specific life jacket that is designed to be comfortable and less restrictive when paddling.
- Check the weather in advance of your paddle trip. Getting caught in inclement weather will ruin your experience. Plus, it’s always best to dress for immersion, just in case.
- Create a float plan. Travel with a companion or group. Plan your trip with a map before departing and advise someone you trust of your plans, your route, your launch and take-out site(s), boat description, and estimated times of departure and arrival.
- Be prepared. Always carry plenty of water and food to stay fueled and hydrated. Dress appropriately. Wear quick-dry clothing and proper water shoes. Bring a basic first aid and repair kit, bilge pump, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug repellant.
- Know that most people paddle two to three river miles per hour; however, water levels can speed up or slow down a trip. Water levels change from season to season and with little notice due to rain events. Even the most experienced should take caution, considering low bridge heights above water. Droughts will also affect your experience. Dams, jams, and other obstructions may require portaging. Be aware of river obstructions such as overhanging branches or dead trees under water that may not be visible. These obstructions, as well as powercrafts, can flip a watercraft, so learn reentry and practice it in a controlled environment.
- Be aware of power boats and other fast-moving watercraft, reduce proximity to power boats, and be cautious if near them.
- Protect the water and shorelands. Remember that much of the shorelands are privately owned.
- Most importantly, be aware of your abilities and limitations and be sure to paddle within your skill level. When paddling in a group, never paddle beyond the abilities of your weakest paddler.
The 5 most common mistakes made by kayakers
Here are some of the most common mistakes made by all paddlers that affect the paddling experience.
- Mistake #1: Launching in dangerous water
- Mistake #2: Attempting busy waterways
- Mistake #3: Choosing uncomfortable weather
- Mistake #4: Overextending or overconfidence
- Mistake #5: Using gear improperly
Improving safety awareness
A successful river trip is a safe river trip. BoardSafe Docks’ Adaptive Kayak Launch changes lives, improves the user experience for all paddlers, and impacts communities. Part of our mission is to educate our customers about our safe launch system; however, also understanding the importance of safe practices on the water will enhance the user experience and keep people coming back. For more safety information, the American Canoe Association has a detailed PaddleSport Safety Information link below:
For more than 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, marinas, rowing centers, adaptive kayak launches, gangways, stationary and floating fishing piers, 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.
The Fabulous Fox! River Summit Is Only 2 Days Away!
The Fox River Summit is an annual gathering of organizations, municipalities, citizens, and stakeholders across the Fox River Watershed. Building partnerships and developing an open dialog about the issues important to managing the watershed is a key component of the summit. The program features speakers and presentations highlighting these issues, and it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the success stories along the Fox River.
Tom Warchol, BoardSafe Partner, will present information on “The Value of Investing in Universal Access Kayak Launches for Paddlers with Disabilities.”
BoardSafe’s Kayak Launch provides access to adaptive paddlers and allows them to leave their wheelchairs behind and paddle with family and friends.
Wisconsin and Illinois have partnered with the National Park Service to create the Fabulous Fox! River Water Trail. A list of access sites (by community or keyword) to the water trail is available at this link: Access Sites - Fabulous Fox! Water Trail. The site offers information about the trail, maps, itineraries, and all you need to plan an amazing day on the water.
BoardSafeDocks hopes to meet you Thursday, March 14, at Veterans Terrace, Echo Park, Burlington, WI. A complete list of featured speakers and topics for the summit is listed here: 2024 Fox River Summit.
Click here to register: southeastfoxriver.org.
2 BoardSafe Docks on Knox County Water Trail on Beautiful Beaver Creek
Mayor Glenn Jacobs is proud to announce the formation and investment in formally establishing the Knox County Water Trail on beautiful Beaver Creek. This initiative is focused on clearing, cleaning, and caring for a 44-mile stretch of navigable water across five communities between Clayton Park in Halls and Melton Hill in Hardin Valley. BoardSafe Docks designed, built, and installed two Accessible Kayak Launches.
Beaver Creek ADA Accessible Drop-In Locations:
2136 W Emory Rd.
Knoxville, TN 37849
7221 Harrell Rd.
Knoxville, TN 37931
Read more about this exciting BoardSafe project: BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launches “Huge Asset” to Beaver Creek, TN, Project
BoardSafe is a leading provider of innovative access solutions that specializes in the design, fabrication, and installation of floating docks, gangways, pedestrian bridges, adaptive kayak launches, and accessible fishing piers that promote accessibility and inclusivity for waterfront activities.
For information, inquiries, or to schedule a phone or Zoom consultation, please contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 or through their website @ BoardSafeDocks.com.
BoardSafe Docks Presents at Fox River Summit, Burlington, WI
BoardSafeDocks invites you to join us at the 2024 Fox River Summit on Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Burlington, WI.
Tom Warchol, BoardSafe Partner, will present information on “The Value of Investing in Universal Access Kayak Launches for Paddlers with Disabilities.”
Learn how improving accessibility enhances the user experience for all.
Watch here: Adaptive Kayak Launch at Lake Chaminwood
The Mission of the Fox River Ecosystem Partnership has been to promote, preserve, protect, and enhance the natural, cultural, economic, and recreational resources of Fox River, which flows for almost 200 miles from Wisconsin into Illinois. It’s an annual gathering of organizations, municipalities, citizens, and stakeholders across the Fox River Watershed.
In 2023, the National Park Service recognized the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail as part of the National Water Trails System.
More information about the water trail is available here: The Fabulous Fox! Water Trail Website
Information and Registration are Now Open: southeastfoxriver.org
If you’re interested in learning more about water trails, mark March 14, 2024, on your calendar and join us at the Summit!
BoardSafe Docks Recognizes New Team Members
Kelly Beals, a New Business Development Team Member, joined BoardSafe Docks in October 2022. Kelly has extensive experience in non-profit fundraising, grant proposal writing and award management, capital campaign coordination, relationship building, stewardship, and solicitation. In her role as a member of the BoardSafe Docks Business Development Team, Kelly conducts research to identify potential customers that would benefit from BoardSafe’s products and services; builds and maintains relationships with potential customers; operationalizes strategies to achieve business goals; and collaborates with the Business Development Team to ensure alignment with BoardSafe’s overall business development objectives.
Kelly represented BoardSafe Docks as an exhibitor at the Ohio Riverway Summit, Tennessee RiverLine, Legacy Parks Foundation Luncheon for the Parks, SOBA Education and Training Symposium, and ASLA and NRPA conferences.
Kelly is often the first communicator with BoardSafe’s prospective clients and will assist them with finding possible grants to help fund adaptive kayak launches, fishing piers, and accessible water access products like gangways, pedestrian bridges, marinas, and rowing docks. Kelly has shown success in her new position by qualifying many of our new customers and clients, answering their questions, and coordinating sales meetings involving multiple stakeholders for the initial design and project planning. BoardSafe Docks prides itself on individualized customer service, consultation, and collaboration. Kelly's customer support is a big part of why BoardSafe is recognized as a trusted, respected, and responsive dock manufacturer in the marine industry.
Fun Fact About Kelly Kelly was born and raised in upstate New York and has been a Denver, Colorado, resident since 2015. Outside of work, you can find Kelly traveling, camping, taking motorcycle rides, eating good food, and loving on her fur babies.
Kelly can be reached at [email protected].
BoardSafeDocks also welcomes Brian Caldwell, Operations Manager, who joined BoardSafe Docks in September 2023. Brian has over 27 years of experience in the welding gas and fastener industry. The majority of his extensive experience has been working as a product line manager and territory manager. Brian’s responsibilities at BoardSafe include managing the day-to-day manufacturing and shop operations, supervising the manufacturing team, internal process improvement, and procurement of product materials and components. Brian is often the in-house communicator with our trucking companies, customers, and installers when coordinating the shipping and receiving of our adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, gangways, pedestrian bridges, and floating dock systems. Brian has already led improvement to our internal process and positively impacted internal efficiencies. BoardSafe is happy to have him as a part of our growing team.
Something to know about Brian Away from BoardSafe, you will find Brian working on many projects around his fishing cabin. He likes to relax by fly fishing, watching college football, and hanging out by the fire, next to the creek, along with his wife and dog—contemplating where a BoardSafe kayak launch and fishing pier may fit in!
Brian can be reached at [email protected].
2024 Tennessee RiverLine Summit Presented by BoardSafe Docks
BoardSafe Docks is pleased to partner with the Tennessee RiverLine to support the development of North America’s next great regional trail system.
The 2024 Summit is happening now at the Lodge at Pickwick Landing in Hardin County, TN.
The interactive forum offers planning sessions, outdoor excursions, water trail workshops, accessibility awareness, and networking opportunities.
Tennessee RiverLine’s vision of a continuous water trail experience begins where the Tennessee River forms in Knoxville, TN, to its confluence with the Ohio River in Paducah, KY. It includes 652 miles of paddle trails and touches the four states of Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Kentucky. Improving accessibility to the Tennessee River is a dream for anyone who enjoys kayaking, canoeing, and spending time on the water. Their full vision is laid out in the booklet here: Tennessee RiverLine Vision Booklet.pdf
Accessible recreation by BoardSafe
The desire for accessible recreation in and by the water offers new economic opportunities, encourages ecological stewardship and conservation, draws people to the water, and promotes better health for its citizens. Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities connect people to their communities. The advantage of ensuring that entry points offer universal access ensures that paddlers with disabilities and mobility limitations can be included in activities along with family and friends. Educating others about universal access has become a significant part of BoardSafe’s Mission. Our goal is to assist others in understanding that “accessible” is not synonymous with “adaptive.” Paddlers with physical disabilities and mobility limitations require additional adaptive features to enter their kayaks and get out on the water. When BoardSafe’s Kayak Launch was designed, BoardSafe’s team collaborated with a group of paddlers in wheelchairs who provided input into the launch’s features. These meetings ensured the necessary features were not overlooked and would be developed to the extent necessary to provide the accommodations paddlers in wheelchairs require for safe entry into their vessels. Equitable access ensures all paddlers may enjoy the beauty, diversity, and history of the Tennessee River and beyond.
What makes BoardSafe unique?
BoardSafe’s unique applications for improving accessibility with their adaptive features, paired with the design integrity of their floating dock system, continue to make them the industry leader and expert in accessibility for all. Ultimately, the user experience is improved for everyone who uses their launch systems for kayaking or fishing.
BoardSafe’s manufacturing takes place in Fleetwood, PA, but as a licensed contractor in Tennessee, they have a strong presence helping to improve accessibility with their adaptive kayak launches and fishing piers. Their pedestrian bridges, gangways, and rowing docks also improve access points throughout the state.
Representing BoardSafe Docks at RiverLine’s Summit are Tom Warchol, a BoardSafe Partner, Kelly Bealls from the Business Development Team, and Bill Bogdan, an adaptive sports enthusiast who has partnered with BoardSafe to share the important message about universal access for all.
Helping non-disabled people gain a better understanding of the features required for inclusive fishing and paddling is necessary because, all too often, launches are built and deemed to be accessible when they’re not. When a paddler in a wheelchair can enter their vessel safely and with minimal assistance, their experience is life-changing. The paddling experience is improved for the adaptive paddler as well as those kayaking with them. Here is a video of Bill using BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch independently: Adaptive Kayak Launch at Lake Chaminwood
Accessibility in the outdoors
Tennessee RiverLine is a catalyst for new investments in outdoor recreation and infrastructure that will create jobs and stimulate the economy. Successful paddle trails should ensure proper accessibility that includes features for paddlers in wheelchairs. Paddling and kayak fishing are a great part of their rehabilitation and exercise routine and it gets them out on the water with everyone else.
When accessibility is at the forefront of the design process, the paddling experience will be improved for all users. Communities investing in accessible infrastructure will benefit economically and ecologically, will improve public health, and draw more people to the water.
BoardSafe prides itself on developing a trusting and respectful relationship with our clients throughout the manufacturing process. Our team understands our products’ impact on communities and has witnessed our product designs improve lifestyles for the adaptive and recreation-loving communities we serve. We are proud of the partnerships we develop with our customers and appreciate the opportunity to develop our customers’ visions and turn them into legacies of waterfront inclusivity for generations to come. Through the power of partnerships and collaborative planning, great things are happening in Tennessee!
BoardSafe Docks is the industry leader in adaptive kayak launches and fishing piers, gangways and pedestrian bridges, rowing centers, and marinas. We specialize in design consultation, engineering, and manufacturing, and will work with you to ensure your project is accessible to the widest range of users. You may learn more about BoardSafe Dock’s projects through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com or by calling 610-899-0286.
Shawnee Mission Park Marina Upgrades: Easy Access to Canoes, Kayaks Debuted at Popular Johnson County Park
Have you seen Shawnee Mission Park Marina’s updates? The largest park in Johnson County and the most visited park in the entire state of Kansas has reopened after a $1.6 million renovation.
The popular marina at Johnson County’s Shawnee Mission Park opened last summer after undergoing extensive renovations that began in November of 2022. The popular new features include a massive new ADA-accessible dock, a new ticketing booth, dock-level bathrooms, upgraded security cameras, and a storage facility for the marina’s 85 boats.
The final addition to the park’s impressive amenities is a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch. Visitors can rent kayaks, tandem kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats to launch into the lake. The inclusive features offered by BoardSafe’s kayak launch provide all paddlers with a steady platform to enter and exit their boats.
The feature-rich launch provides universal access with its ADA gangway, tiered, step-down boarding bench, a roll-cage offering an overhead grab bar, grab straps to lower oneself into their vessel, and a stabilizing kayak chute with pull bars for a stable entry onto the water. Everyone knows that getting in and out of a kayak is often the most challenging part of kayaking. BoardSafe’s inclusive features improve the user experience for everyone—young and old, novice and experienced, paddlers with mobility limitations, and even paddlers in wheelchairs.
Long-term planning and preparation paid off
The project cost was approved as part of the county’s capital improvement plan for 2022. However, the marina improvements serve as part of the department’s long-term Shawnee Mission Park Master Plan, which dates back to 2003. Johnson County cares about its community and is committed to achieving its long-term goal of providing a state-of-the-art, inclusive recreation facility for the community.
What’s new at the park?
The park had an aging marina and storage building. The new building underwent significant improvements for accessibility. The improvement project also included the addition of new restrooms and a customer service counter. The park offers a lake, beach, beach house, marina, and floating docks for boating, paddling, and fishing.
The aquatic manager for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District reported that thousands of boaters use the marina’s rental services each season, and they are fortunate to bring the best to their community. High rates of usage support how facilities such as these are important draws for communities. Close-to-home recreation brings communities together and provides inclusive recreation for all, no matter the ability or disability.
Paddling builds inclusive communities and improves quality of life
As the county better accommodates all visitors, many local leaders have recognized the popularity of paddling and the need to provide safe and convenient access in and out of the water. BoardSafe’s well-known inclusive adaptive kayak launch allows people in wheelchairs to safely transition into their kayak and get out on the water. The launch system has been designed and engineered with input from adaptive paddlers to identify features that will improve the paddling experience for all users and ensure that family and friends can paddle together.
Economic benefits of building an accessible kayak launch
- Promotes tourism A kayak launch can attract tourists to the area and increase annual visitors to the trail. Visitor spending will increase revenue to shops, restaurants, gas stations, and hotels and appeal to nature, history, and culture enthusiasts.
- Job creation The construction and operation of the kayak launch can contribute to the economic development of the community by creating jobs for residents, such as construction workers, small business owners, kayak rental operators, and paddling guides. River and lake communities attract and retain skilled workers and businesses. Economic development inspires entrepreneurship and generates tax revenues for municipalities and states.
- Increases property value Inclusive access to a kayak launch can increase property values in the area, which can benefit local property owners and help spur economic development. Homeowners desire close-to-home recreation and are looking to connect with friends, family, and nature through outdoor recreation.
- Offers inclusive water access An accessible kayak launch will encourage more people to participate in outdoor activities on the water. An inclusive launch brings family and friends together and offers a healthy activity for people with mobility limitations and disabilities. As more disabled paddling groups look for recreational opportunities, a fully inclusive launch will draw adaptive paddlers to the water. In turn, this will benefit the local economy by promoting spending on outdoor gear, related activities, and services.
- Offers increased recreational opportunities An accessible kayak launch can provide new recreational opportunities for residents, which can improve the overall quality of life in a community. A gentle paddle down the river and sightseeing through calm waters on lakes offer associated health benefits and improve the overall quality of life.
- Environmental benefits Accessible kayak launches can benefit the environment by helping to protect local waterways and wildlife by maintaining the health of our most valuable natural and cultural resource.
Working together achieved results
For this extensive project, the Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department worked with design firm SFS Architecture on the project’s concept design. BoardSafe was brought into the planning for their experience and expertise in designing and building accessible floating docks. They understand the impact projects like these have on communities. With over 30 years of construction experience and 20+ years as the industry leader in dock designing, engineering, and manufacturing, BoardSafe knows that each location and installation presents distinct challenges. Water flows, tidal fluctuations, and environmental and habitat considerations, all need to be considered
when selecting the optimal dock configuration for each site. How the products fasten to the shore must allow for movement under varying marine and traffic usages. These variations—as well as ecological considerations—are carefully calculated.
BoardSafe has designed over 20 different launch configurations that can be customized to their customer’s launch site, which makes BoardSafe stand out in the marine industry.
Click here to view the 20 different kayak launch layouts that will affect pricing.
For this particular project, launch option #2 was selected with a 4 x 20 single rail gangway and a 20’ kayak chute. BoardSafe takes pride in knowing we put our customers on the right path to obtaining the best launch configuration for their site.
BoardSafe was pleased to help Shawnee Mission Park achieve their accessibility goals. To learn more about the most durable and accessible aluminum floating launch system for your location, contact BoardSafeDocks.com today at 610-899-0286. BoardSafe’s team will help you find the ideal solution for improved accessibility to and around the water.
Customer Service and Experience Put BoardSafe Ahead of the Rest
Are you scouring the Internet looking for a kayak launch that is truly accessible—one designed with input from paddlers in wheelchairs?
Are you in search of a kayak launch that is structurally sound, durable, and won’t get washed away in the first flood or demolished by a high wind storm?
Do you need help understanding how long your gangway or kayak chute should be? Or what size freeboard you’ll need? Do you understand what size floating dock will work best for your application? Are your stakeholders clear about what to budget for your accessible floating dock system?
Get your questions answered with BoardSafe Docks
If you have questions like these to be answered, BoardSafe Docks is here to help.
BoardSafe takes the time to help you understand the features and factors you need to understand when considering an accessible launch system.
BoardSafe Docks designs, engineers, and manufactures marine access products that positively impact communities. BoardSafe improves accessibility for all paddlers in order to improve everyone’s paddling experience. For paddlers in wheelchairs who require additional adaptive features to enter and exit their vessels, the launch’s inclusive features are life-changing and offer adaptive paddlers the opportunity to be out on the water with family and friends.
BoardSafe’s experience and expertise set us apart from the rest
BoardSafe is not just selling a commodity—We’re selling an experience and creating paddling adventures for those looking to enter their vessel safely and easily. Improving access to water is a big investment in your community, and when it’s done, it should be done correctly. We’re confident about our dock-building experience and our ability to help you find the best solution for your site conditions. It’s worth your time to give us a call.
We frequently hear that our customer service is unmatched by other dock-building companies who are only interested in selling a dock. BoardSafe takes pride in knowing we’ll put you on the right path to obtaining your accessible kayak launch, and that our system will work, customized for your site with one of our many launch configurations illustrated here:
https://20491040.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20491040/BoardSafe%20Kayak%20Launch%20Layout%20Options.pdf
Learn more about what BoardSafe offers to our customers in this video:
BoardSafe, the one-stop shop for design, construction & installs of adaptive water access equipment.
With over 20 years of experience in the marine access industry, BoardSafe knows and understands what it takes to build structurally sound, durable, maintenance-free marine access products. Because we are industry experts, BoardSafe’s innovative designs and solutions can provide accessible solutions for accessing your waterfront safely and easily. Call us for more information at 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.