BoardSafe Returns as Platinum Sponsor of SOBA Education & Training Symposium
The 2026 SOBA Education & Training Symposium is coming to Boise, Idaho, August 24–27, bringing together professionals from across the country who are dedicated to improving and expanding public access to our nation’s waterways.
Hosted by Idaho Fish and Game, the annual symposium is the largest gathering of professionals and affiliate organizations focused on boating access in the United States. The event brings together state boating officials, consultants, engineers, manufacturers, suppliers, publishers, and other industry professionals working to advance access to both motorized and non-motorized boating.
BoardSafe Docks: Supporting Access for All
Since 2022, BoardSafe Docks has proudly served as a Platinum Sponsor of the SOBA Education & Training Symposium, supporting the organization’s commitment to safe, innovative, and accessible boating opportunities.
At BoardSafe, we believe access to the water should be available to everyone. Our accessible kayak launches and waterfront access systems are designed to help communities create truly inclusive recreational opportunities for people of all abilities.
Our impact extends far beyond the launch itself. Inclusive waterfront infrastructure can strengthen communities, support tourism and outdoor recreation, and most importantly, give individuals who may have experienced barriers to water access the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors independently and confidently.
Meet BoardSafe at SOBA
BoardSafe Docks invites symposium attendees to connect with Tom Warchol, Managing Partner at BoardSafe Docks, who will speak about procurement options for the non-motorized boating industry and strategies for creating universal access to our waterways.
Tom will share insights into the importance of thoughtful procurement and the role manufacturers, engineers, and communities can play in making accessibility an integral part of waterfront development, not an afterthought.
Why Attend the SOBA Symposium?
The four-day SOBA Education & Training Symposium attracts nearly 200 professionals representing state boating programs, engineering firms, marine construction and manufacturing companies, specialty material suppliers, and other organizations involved in boating access.
The symposium provides an opportunity to:
- Learn about the latest boating access products, materials, designs, and construction techniques.
- Connect with state boating officials and industry professionals from across the country.
- Explore innovative approaches to motorized and non-motorized boating access.
- Share ideas and best practices for improving public access to waterways.
- Discover solutions that can enhance safety, accessibility, durability, and long-term value for communities.
For anyone involved in boating access, waterfront development, parks and recreation, engineering, or outdoor recreation, SOBA provides an invaluable opportunity to learn, network, and stay ahead of industry trends.
While You're in Boise, Visit Lucky Peak State Park
While attending the symposium, be sure to visit BoardSafe’s Accessible Kayak Launch at Lucky Peak State Park on the Boise River.
The new launch demonstrates how thoughtful design and accessible infrastructure can create more opportunities for paddlers of all abilities to get on the water. Read more here: BoardSafe Kayak Launch Expands Access at Lucky Peak State Park
We look forward to seeing our industry partners, colleagues, and friends in Boise!
2026 SOBA Education & Training Symposium
August 24–27, 2026
Riverside Hotel
2900 W. Chinden Blvd.
Garden City, ID 83714
For registration and event information, visit SOBA's official event page: https://www.sobaus.org/events/event
#SOBA2026 #BoatingAccess #AccessibleBoating #AdaptiveKayakLaunch #UniversalAccess #Accessibility #OutdoorRecreation #BoardSafeDocks #KayakLaunch #WaterAccess #Idaho
BoardSafe Kayak Launch Expands Access at Lucky Peak State Park
Visitors to Lucky Peak State Park near Boise now have a new way to experience the Boise River thanks to a recently completed accessible paddling launch designed and manufactured by BoardSafe Docks.
Officials with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation celebrated the completion of the project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Discovery Park, marking another milestone in Idaho's commitment to making outdoor recreation accessible to everyone. To ensure an even safer paddling experience, life jackets are available for anyone who needs to borrow one at the new launch site.
(Photo by Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun)
(Photo by Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun)Designed for paddlers of all abilities, the new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch is part of a larger riverbank restoration project that transformed the shoreline into a welcoming, universally accessible recreation area. Park improvements include accessible parking, paved pathways and ramps, the adaptive kayak and paddleboard launch, stepping stones leading to the river, and a sandy dog beach where four-legged companions can safely enjoy the water alongside their owners.
Located just minutes from downtown Boise, Lucky Peak State Park welcomes more than one million visitors each year. The calm waters of this stretch of the Boise River make it an ideal destination for first-time paddlers, adaptive recreation programs, families, and experienced kayakers alike.
Before the improvements, the riverbank featured a steep drop-off that created challenges for many visitors. Today, the redesigned shoreline provides a safer, more convenient launch point, allowing more people to enjoy the river with confidence and independence.
Learn more about the new access point here:
New Riverbank Restoration Improves Accessibility at Lucky Peak State Park
Building Accessible Waterfronts Across America
Every BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch represents more than a new piece of waterfront infrastructure; it creates new opportunities for recreation, wellness, and community connection.
Co-designed with adaptive paddlers from Team River Runner, the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch delivers true universal access through user-tested engineering. Instead of retrofitting generic parts, our manufacturing team collaborated directly with wheelchair users to eliminate structural barriers. The final system features include a 1:12 ADA maximum slope aluminum gangway, a 16-inch height, tiered boarding bench with pull-out seat, a roll cage with overhead grab bars, pull bars and grab straps, along with a launch cradle that holds the kayak stable during entering and exiting. These specialized features provide a stable, reliable transition from land into water, ensuring safety and independence for adaptive paddlers and paddlers of all ability levels.
Early Collaboration between Team River Runner Paddlers and BoardSafe
Early Collaboration between Team River Runner Paddlers and BoardSafeFrom state parks and municipal waterfronts to lakes, rivers, and nature preserves, BoardSafe Docks is helping communities across the United States remove barriers and provide universal access to the outdoors. Each installation reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of being on the water.
As more communities invest in inclusive recreation, BoardSafe continues to provide durable solutions that are thoughtfully engineered and stand the test of time.
To learn how an accessible kayak launch can transform your lake, river, or waterfront into a destination where everyone can launch their adventure, contact BoardSafe Docks through our website or give us a call at 610-899-0286.
#BoardSafeDocks #AccessiblePaddling #IdahoParksandRec #AccessibleRecreation #UniversalAccess #AccessYourAdventure
Norris Dam State Park Expands Water Access for All!
Norris Dam State Park is now more accessible than ever with the addition of two new waterfront access points at Norris Lake: a BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch, designed to make paddling possible for people of all abilities, and a BoardSafe Courtesy Boat Dock.
This collaborative project between the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Tennessee State Parks also included parking lot and drainage improvements, creating a safer and more welcoming experience for all visitors.
The new adaptive launch allows paddlers, including those who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility, the ability to transfer into their kayak with greater confidence and independence. By separating motorized boat traffic from paddle craft, the new courtesy dock also improves safety and enhances the overall boating experience.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, TVA representative Brian Ross, highlighted how the project expands public access while supporting the shared commitment of TVA and Tennessee State Parks to provide outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities and protect Tennessee’s natural resources for future generations.
Learn more about the project's ribbon-cutting ceremony here: New upgrades finished at Norris Lake access point in Campbell County
BoardSafe Docks is proud to have designed, engineered, and manufactured the accessible infrastructure, continuing our mission to remove barriers and create universal access to water.
For more than 20 years, BoardSafe Docks has partnered with parks, municipalities, and recreation agencies across the country to design and manufacture commercial waterfront infrastructure, including adaptive kayak launches, floating docks, marinas, gangways, fishing piers, rowing centers, and pedestrian bridges.
Ready to make your waterfront accessible for everyone? Give us a call 📞 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website 🌐 BoardSafeDocks.com.
#BoardSafeDocks #AccessYourAdventure #AdaptiveKayakLaunch #Accessibility #UniversalDesign #TennesseeStateParks #TVA #NorrisLake #OutdoorRecreation
BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch Expands Access at Alexander Deussen Park
Accessible Kayak Launch Creates New Opportunities for Paddlers of All Abilities
Visitors to Alexander Deussen Park in Harris County, Texas, now have a safer and more accessible way to enjoy Lake Houston thanks to the installation of a new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch.
Located on the southwest shore of Lake Houston, the accessible kayak launch provides a convenient entry point for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards while helping eliminate many of the physical barriers often associated with launching small watercraft. The launch is situated between the campground and beach area and is directly connected to accessible parking, paved walkways, and nearby restroom facilities.
As communities across the country continue investing in inclusive outdoor recreation, the addition of this adaptive kayak launch demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that people of all abilities can experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of spending time on the water.
Adaptive Features Designed for Independence and Safety
BoardSafe Docks designed and manufactured the launch system with accessibility and user independence in mind. The adaptive launch includes specialized features that assist paddlers with mobility limitations, balance challenges, age-related physical restrictions, and other accessibility needs.
Key accessibility features include:
- ADA-accessible gangway
- Wheelchair-height boarding bench
- Pull-out seat that extends over kayak
- Overhead grab bars
- Hand straps and pull bars
- Stable launch cradle that secures kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards during boarding and exiting
These features work together to provide additional stability and support, allowing users to enter and exit their vessels more safely and confidently.
The launch also benefits beginners, families with children, veterans, seniors, and recreational paddlers seeking a more comfortable launching experience.
Discover Alexander Deussen Park and Lake Houston
Alexander Deussen Park is a popular 309-acre recreational destination located along the southwest shoreline of Lake Houston. The park offers boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities, making it one of the region's premier outdoor recreation destinations.
The new adaptive kayak launch is located at GPS coordinates 29.9185, -95.1491, providing convenient access to the calm waters of Lake Houston and its scenic shoreline.
By adding an accessible kayak launch, the park expands opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy paddling while promoting greater participation in outdoor recreation for individuals of all abilities.
The Growing Importance of Accessible Water Access
Across the United States, parks and recreation agencies are recognizing the importance of creating accessible waterfront infrastructure that allows everyone to participate in water-based activities. Accessible kayak launches play a critical role in removing barriers and encouraging greater community participation in paddling, fishing, and outdoor recreation.
For many individuals with mobility challenges, traditional shorelines, steep banks, and unstable launch areas can make water access difficult or impossible. Adaptive launch systems help bridge that gap by providing a safer and more supportive transition from land to water.
Investments in accessible recreation not only improve quality of life for residents and visitors but also help parks create welcoming environments where everyone can enjoy nature and the benefits of an active outdoor lifestyle.
BoardSafe Docks: America's Leader in Adaptive Kayak Launches and Waterfront Accessibility
BoardSafe Docks partners with state parks, county parks, municipalities, landscape architects, engineering firms, and waterfront organizations throughout the United States to design and manufacture commercial-grade aluminum floating dock systems.
From adaptive kayak launches and accessible fishing piers to marinas, rowing centers, gangways, and pedestrian bridges, BoardSafe Docks delivers customized solutions engineered to meet the unique challenges of each waterfront location.
With a focus on innovation, structural durability, accessibility, and exceptional customer service, BoardSafe Docks continues to help communities remove barriers and create universal access to water recreation.
Looking to Improve Accessibility at Your Waterfront?
Whether you're planning a new park, marina, paddling trail, fishing pier, or waterfront redevelopment project, BoardSafe Docks can help create a safe, durable, and inclusive solution tailored to your site.
Contact BoardSafe Docks today to learn more about adaptive kayak launches and accessible waterfront infrastructure designed to connect everyone to the water.
Meredith Adaptive Launch Brings Universal Access to Leavitt Park
The Town of Meredith, New Hampshire, has taken a significant step toward creating a more inclusive waterfront experience with the installation of a new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch at Leavitt Park. This innovative addition will provide residents and visitors of all abilities with safe, independent access to the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, reinforcing the community’s commitment to ensuring that outdoor recreation is accessible to everyone.
For many individuals with mobility challenges, the simple act of launching a kayak can present significant barriers, and often what keeps them away. Traditional boat launches and shoreline access points often make it difficult or impossible for paddlers with disabilities, seniors, veterans, or individuals recovering from injuries to safely enter and exit a kayak. The new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch eliminates many of these obstacles through thoughtfully designed adaptive features that support greater independence and confidence on the water.
Located along the scenic shoreline of Leavitt Park, the launch creates new opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the physical, emotional, and social benefits of paddlesports. Access to the water promotes active lifestyles, encourages outdoor exploration, and fosters connections with nature that can improve overall well-being. It welcomes good stewardship of our natural resources, and many friendships are formed on this common ground.
The project at Leavitt Park would not have been possible without the dedication and vision of Paula Wanzer, Chair of the Meredith Adaptive Launch Committee. Recognizing the need for improved waterfront accessibility, Wanzer spearheaded the effort to bring the project to life and, along with a very committed team, served as the driving force behind raising awareness throughout their community.
Wanzer first introduced the BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch concept to the Meredith Parks and Recreation Department, local community organizations, and the Rotary Club. She and her team worked tirelessly to build support, educate stakeholders about the importance of universal accessibility, and inspire community members to invest in a project that would benefit generations to come.
The team’s commitment reflects a broader vision embraced by the Town of Meredith, one that recognizes that public parks and recreational opportunities should be available to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or physical limitations. At the launch’s recent ribbon cutting, Wanzer shared sentiments that “Accessibility is about more than compliance; it’s about belonging. This launch ensures that more people can experience the joy, freedom, and therapeutic benefits of being on the water.”
Read more about the ribbon cutting here: Ribbon-cutting at Meredith Adaptive Paddling Launch marks new chapter in town’s commitment to supporting residents | Boating | laconiadailysun.com
BoardSafe Docks is proud to partner with communities like Meredith that are committed to removing barriers and creating universal access to water. Projects like the Meredith Adaptive Launch serve as powerful examples of how thoughtful infrastructure can strengthen communities, increase recreational opportunities, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of life on the water.
The new accessible launch at Leavitt Park stands as a lasting reminder that when accessibility becomes a priority, entire communities benefit.
For more information on finding an access solution to your waterfront for paddling, fishing, or boating, contact BoardSafeDocks.com.
Gifford Pinchot State Park Adds BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch
Gifford Pinchot State Park is expanding inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities with the addition of a new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, providing a safe and accessible way for paddlers of all abilities to enjoy the beauty of Pinchot Lake.
Located in northern York County, Pennsylvania, between the communities of Rossville and Lewisberry, Gifford Pinchot State Park encompasses 2,338 acres of rolling woodlands, open fields, and the scenic 340-acre Pinchot Lake. Named in honor of renowned conservationist and former Pennsylvania Governor Gifford Pinchot, the park is a popular destination for paddling, fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.
The new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch is located within the Conewago Day Use Area (1185 Alpine Road, Wellsville, PA 17365) and offers enhanced accessibility for individuals with disabilities, limited mobility, and anyone seeking a more stable and comfortable way to enter and exit a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
Designed to promote independence and inclusion, the launch provides a safer transition from shore to water, allowing more visitors to experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of paddlesports. The addition of this accessible amenity reinforces the park's commitment to ensuring outdoor recreation is available to everyone.
Whether visitors are exploring the calm waters of Pinchot Lake, enjoying a family paddling adventure, or discovering the park for the first time, the new launch creates greater opportunities for all individuals to connect with nature and enjoy Pennsylvania's outdoor resources.
To see the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch in action, watch the demonstration video on YouTube here: youtu.be/vUVoc8a7EV8.
BoardSafe Docks is a trusted designer, engineer, and manufacturer of aluminum floating dock systems, adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, gangways, and waterfront infrastructure. Our team partners with parks, municipalities, nonprofits, and recreation agencies throughout the USA to create durable, innovative solutions that remove barriers and expand access to the water.
To learn more about BoardSafe's accessible waterfront solutions, visit BoardSafeDocks.com or call 610-899-0286.
#BoardSafeDocks #AdaptiveKayakLaunch #AccessibleRecreation #UniversalAccess #Paddlesports #Kayaking #PennsylvaniaStateParks #PinchotLake #OutdoorForAll #AccessYourAdventure
From Coast to Coast, BoardSafe Builds Access
As we celebrate Independence Day and the 250th Anniversary of the USA, BoardSafeDocks would like to wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Whether you are heading to a family gathering, a community celebration, or plan to spend the day on the water, fishing, paddling, or boating, BoardSafeDocks is proud to help create waterfront infrastructure that’s accessible to all. Waterfront communities have grown to count on us for our safe, convenient, and seamless access to the water.
As you celebrate this holiday weekend, please remember to wear your US Coast Guard personal flotation device with an attached whistle, leave a float plan with a family member, carry plenty of water and a first aid kit, and stay alert to weather and water conditions.
From BoardSafe’s family to yours, have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable Independence Day.
Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇲
Ellsworth River Park Improves Access with BoardSafe Kayak Launch
Another community is expanding access to the water!
A new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch has been installed at Ellsworth River Park in Michigan, serving as a key access point along the 100-mile Chain of Lakes Water Trail.
Designed for paddlers of all abilities, the launch features an ADA gangway, a wheelchair-height boarding bench with a pullout seat, overhead grab bars, grab straps, pull bars, and a secure kayak cradle that provides stability during entry and exit.
The Ellsworth installation represents another important milestone in a broader regional initiative to create a fully accessible point-to-point paddling experience throughout the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. Similar BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launches have recently been installed at Elk Rapids Rotary Park and other locations across Michigan, expanding recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
A formal ribbon-cutting for Ellsworth River Park is scheduled for September 2026 during the annual Paddle Antrim Festival. Paddle Antrim continues to lead efforts to remove barriers and improve accessibility along the water trail, ensuring that more people can experience the beauty and benefits of Michigan's waterways.
As Paddle Antrim Executive Director Deana Jerdee stated, "We are not just adding infrastructure; we are removing barriers."
At BoardSafe Docks, we believe access to the water should be available to everyone. As the industry leader in designing, engineering, and manufacturing accessible waterfront infrastructure, we work closely with park systems, municipalities, and engineers to create accessible solutions that provide safe, reliable, and inclusive access to the water.
Interested in improving accessibility at your waterfront destination? BoardSafe Docks offers complimentary site assessments to help identify the best solution for your location. Contact us at BoardSafeDocks.com and discover why communities trust BoardSafe to deliver innovative, durable, and universally accessible waterfront infrastructure.
#AdaptiveKayakLaunch #AccessibleRecreation #UniversalAccess #InclusiveOutdoors #PaddleAntrim #ChainOfLakesWaterTrail #AccessYourAdventure
Breaking Down Barriers to Outdoor Recreation at Willow River State Park
At BoardSafe, we're proud to partner with organizations that share our belief that access to nature should be available to everyone.
Thanks to the leadership, vision, and fundraising efforts of the Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks, a new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch has been installed at Willow River State Park in Hudson, Wisconsin. The project was funded entirely through grants and community donations secured by a very dedicated Friends’ Group, whose commitment to universal access helped bring this vision to life.
The installation includes:
- 28-foot accessible gangway and kayak chute
- 8' x 16' aluminum floating dock
- kayak launch with adaptive boarding kit
The new launch creates a safer, more accessible way for individuals of all abilities to enjoy Little Falls Lake and experience the benefits of outdoor recreation.
A community ribbon-cutting celebration held on June 13 welcomed residents, supporters, and partners who helped make the project possible.
This launch is just one part of the Friends Group's broader mission. Their second major initiative is the development of a new state-of-the-art Nature Center that will expand environmental education opportunities, provide classroom space for up to 200 visitors, and support conservation efforts for future generations.
The Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing Wisconsin's natural resources through conservation, education, and infrastructure improvements that benefit all visitors.
Interested in creating more accessible waterfront experiences in your community? BoardSafe specializes in innovative accessibility solutions that help remove barriers and connect more people with the outdoors. For more information, contact us at BoardSafeDocks.com.
#BoardSafe #AccessibleRecreation #UniversalAccess #KayakLaunch #AdaptiveRecreation #OutdoorsForAll #StateParks #AccessibilityMatters #WaterfrontAccess #Inclusion
BoardSafe Invests in Next Generation of Skilled Trades Professionals
At BoardSafe Docks in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, building high-quality aluminum floating dock systems, adaptive kayak launches, gangways, and pedestrian bridges requires more than innovative engineering and craftsmanship; it requires skilled people. That's why we are proud to partner with Berks Career & Technology Center (BCTC) and support the development of the next generation of manufacturing and skilled trades professionals.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, such as those offered at BCTC, provide students with hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for real-world careers. Through classroom instruction, technical training, and industry exposure, students gain the practical skills and experience needed to enter the workforce with confidence.
BoardSafe Docks has experienced firsthand the value of these programs. About a dozen of our current employees are graduates of BCTC training programs and have become important contributors to our company's success. Their technical knowledge, strong work ethic, and problem-solving abilities demonstrate that Career and Technical Education works.
As a growing manufacturer, BoardSafe Docks offers students opportunities to gain real-world experience through internships, co-op programs, facility tours, and direct interaction with industry professionals. These experiences help bridge the gap between education and employment while giving students a better understanding of career opportunities available in modern manufacturing and construction industries.
The need for skilled workers has never been greater. Industry reports indicate that for every five workers who retire from construction, manufacturing, and the skilled trades, only two new workers enter the workforce. This growing labor shortage presents a significant challenge for businesses across the country and highlights the importance of investing in workforce development programs.
Career and Technical Education is a critical part of the solution. By providing students with practical training, industry-recognized skills, and pathways to rewarding careers, programs like BCTC help strengthen local economies and create opportunities for future generations.
BoardSafe Docks is proud to be part of this effort. By partnering with BCTC, we are helping students explore meaningful career paths while supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce, essential to the future of American manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure.
The success of our employees who have graduated from BCTC serves as a powerful reminder that when educators, businesses, and communities work together, everyone benefits. Continued investment in Career and Technical Education is not only an investment in students, it's an investment in the future strength and competitiveness of our workforce and economy. Read about two of our recent graduates here:
Taking a Leap of Faith: How Andrew Found His Future in Drafting
Photo credit: BCTC
From Classroom to Career: Linkoln Builds a Future in Welding
Photo credit: BCTC
At BoardSafe Docks, we are honored to be part of the training initiative and workforce solution that helps talented young professionals turn their education into successful careers.
#BCTC #CareerEducation #WorkforceDevelopment #SkilledTrades #ConnectingStudentsWithCareers