Baytown Nature Center Backs BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch
A new BoardSafe floating dock system with an adaptive kayak launch was recently installed at the Baytown Nature Center at 6213 Bayway Drive, Baytown, TX. The center, on Crystal Bay, is an incredible kayaking and paddle-boarding destination. The view of the San Jacinto monument over the water is picturesque and part of the beauty kayakers will experience during their paddle. This public launch project offers accessibility to all kayakers and is expected to increase recreational paddling at the nature center.
The accessible floating dock project was designed, engineered, and manufactured by BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, PA. The launch specifications include the following:
- 4-ft x 20-ft Aluminum Welded ADA-Compliant Gangway
- Adaptive Kit (Step Down Boarding Bench, Overhead Grab Bar with Straps, Pull-Out Seat)
- 8-ft x 16-ft Floating Dock
- 20-ft Kayak Chute w/Cradle (Keeps the Kayak Stable During Entry and Exit)
BoardSafe Docks are often the top choice for communities, lakes, tidal rivers, and park systems, because BoardSafe creates solutions at challenging water access sites. Our experience and background knowledge set us apart from other dock manufacturers.
BoardSafe docks are structurally sound, engineered for strength, durable, low-maintenance, and manufactured with high-quality aluminum-welded materials, composite lumber, and non-polluting plastic encapsulated flotation. You can read more about them here:
Maintenance Costs Are at a Minimum with Your BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch
What Makes a BoardSafe Dock So Unique?
BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch was designed with input from adaptive paddlers. A team of paddlers in wheelchairs were looking for a way to get their paddlers into the water because their group was growing and their needs became more diverse. They were frustrated by going to launch sites deemed “accessible,” yet the launch features didn’t work for them. Barriers were overlooked or accommodations were incorrectly designed.
The members of the group of paddlers in wheelchairs had paralysis, were wounded veterans, or were amputees, yet all had use of their upper body or arms. They required accommodations from the parking lot, to the launch site, and into the water. The group identified features that worked, that didn’t, were overlooked, or needed further development. Their input makes BoardSafe’s kayak launch the highest-quality accessible launch on the market. Equipped with the most adaptive features in its class, the launch offers the safest entry into and exit out of the water for most paddlers with disabilities.
Understanding Available Launch Systems
Several types of docks are designed for launching kayaks, each suited to different environments and user needs. Here are some common types:
Floating Docks rise and fall with the water level, making them ideal for areas with fluctuating water levels. There are advantages to launching from a floating dock because the dock remains at water level and can be adjusted for different watercraft. Floating docks are beneficial on lakes, rivers, and areas with changing tides. They offer advantages and benefits that cannot be offered by a stationary pier.
Fixed Docks are permanently installed and do not move with the water level. They are good for areas with consistent water levels. Because the dock is fixed, it cannot offer accessibility to those who require it. To be accessible, the dock must float along with the fluctuations of the water; otherwise, it will become a barrier for any paddler needing accommodations.
Modular Docks consist of interlocking pieces that can be configured in various shapes and sizes. Budget-minded customers may choose this more economical plastic dock that is best suited for residential applications. Plastic docks may be a less expensive option than a commercial-grade aluminum-welded dock. While a plastic dock may be a good option for the budget-minded consumer, plastic docks will not hold up to weather elements like a welded aluminum structure, or be a good fit for commercial and high-use applications.
Launch Ramps are sloped surfaces leading into the water; however, they can be slippery and cause kayaks to tip over upon entry.
Each type of dock and launch system has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the location, water conditions, user needs, and budget.
If you need help choosing the ideal design or layout for your accessible and adaptive floating dock project, the experts at BoardSafe Docks can help. Our design team is committed to providing clients with the most practical long-term solutions to fit their needs. Contact us today to get started!
BoardSafe Docks Sponsors the 2024 SOBA Symposium
The States Organization for Boating Access (SOBA) invites you to join them August 26th - 29th in Wilmington, North Carolina, for the 2024 Education & Training Symposium. Online registration is now open!
SOBA is the largest gathering of professionals and affiliate organizations engaged in improving and expanding public recreational boating access facilities throughout the United States.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is this year’s host and BoardSafe Docks is recognized as the Platinum Sponsor for the third consecutive year.
It’s less than two weeks away from the symposium that will connect you with more than 200 state boating officials, consultants, engineering firms, manufacturers, suppliers, publishers, and other businesspersons invested in boating access.
SOBA is the place to learn about the latest materials, designs, and construction techniques for boating access and water recreation. The event offers an exclusive opportunity to learn from the experts in public boating and non-motorized boating access. To learn more about this event and register, click on the link below:
Education & Training Symposium - States Organization for Boating Access
Waddington NY Pioneers Accessibility with BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch
Waddington, New York, has significantly promoted equity and accessibility by installing a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at the Whitaker Park Boat Launch on the St. Lawrence River. This initiative reflects the town's commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities on the St. Lawrence River.
A Vision Inspired by a Neighboring Community
Waddington’s journey towards installing an accessible kayak launch began in 2022 after witnessing a similar project in nearby Canton, NY. Canton had installed a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, which caught the attention of Waddington's community leaders. Inspired by the positive impact it had on accessibility, Waddington set out on its own mission to bring a similar launch to its residents and community.
Collaboration and Planning
Over the course of two years, Waddington worked closely with BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, PA, a company specializing in adaptive and accessible outdoor recreation products. BoardSafe assisted with the permit applications and design concepts for three potential locations within the town. After careful consideration and planning, Whitaker Park was chosen as the ideal site for their first new accessible kayak launch.
In 2024, Waddington received the necessary funding to move forward with the project. The town contracted with BoardSafe to manufacture and install the kayak launch, which features a 16-foot-long gangway and kayak chute, and an 8-by-16-foot floating dock equipped with a 16-foot BoardSafe Clip-A-Launch. The installation is supported by two precast concrete blocks, supplied by BoardSafe, that serve as the bulkhead foundation.
Community Effort and Installation
The installation of the kayak launch in late June was a true community effort, with town employees Chris, Jeff, Nate, and Caleb working alongside BoardSafe to set the blocks and complete the installation. Their dedication and teamwork ensured that the project was completed efficiently and to the highest standards.
Enhancing Outdoor Access
The new adaptive kayak launch at Whitaker Park not only opens up the St. Lawrence River to individuals with physical disabilities, it also reinforces Waddington's reputation as a premier destination for outdoor recreation. The park is already well-known for its world-class smallmouth bass fishing and is the site of the BassMaster Elite tournament, which will take place from August 15–18, 2024.
By investing in this accessible infrastructure, Waddington is making a powerful statement about the importance of inclusivity and the right of all people to enjoy the natural environment. The town's leaders, including Mayor Mike Zabrobelny, have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, demonstrating a commitment to equity that will benefit the community for years to come.
A Model for Other Communities
Waddington's successful installation of their adaptive kayak launch serves as a model for other communities looking to enhance accessibility and promote outdoor activities for everyone. It provides nearby towns with a model and a vision to explore similar projects, and demonstrates what thoughtful planning, collaboration, and community involvement can have in creating more inclusive public spaces.
As the new kayak launch welcomes paddlers of all abilities, Waddington stands as a shining example of how small towns can lead the way in making the great outdoors accessible to all.
To learn more about BoardSafe Docks’ additional projects and capabilities, view our “About Us” video here:
BoardSafe Docks: Manufacturer of Marinas, Rowing Centers, Adaptive Launches, Gangways & Bridge
For more information about this project and others, or for a consultation, visit us at boardsafedocks.com or call 610-899-0286.
Monongahela River Wharf Offers Accessibility with BoardSafe Kayak Launch
Riverside Wharf Park, located in the small suburb of Brownsville and nestled along the Monongahela River, plays a key part in Brownsville’s community. The wharf is within walking distance from town and offers fishing, a public boat launch, and a relaxing place to read a book or watch activities on the water. Access to the waters of the Monongahela River was limited for many residents, especially those with physical disabilities before the borough’s partnership with BoardSafe Docks. Renowned for our commitment to accessibility, BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, PA, designed and manufactured Brownsville’s state-of-the-art adaptive kayak launch and accessible floating dock system. The dock now provides boating, paddling, and fishing access from Brownsville’s historic wharf. The dock fulfills a 10-year vision that Brownsville Borough had for providing accessible boating access to their wharf.
The Monongahela River played a significant role in Pittsburgh’s industrial and economic development, particularly during the “steel era.” As recent as 2013, “the Mon” was recognized as River of the Year for its scenic beauty, fishing spots, and boating opportunities. The river uniquely flows from south to north, and meets with the Allegheny River at its confluence to form the Ohio River in downtown Pittsburgh.
Brownsville’s new dock and kayak launch is more than just a piece of infrastructure—it symbolizes inclusivity and progress in the borough. Designed with various adaptive features, the kayak launch ensures that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy the freedom and joy of kayaking. The well-equipped site offers an ADA gangway that provides a gentle, easy pitch down to the water where people in wheelchairs can access the 100 feet of floating docks and the adaptive kayak launch. The accessible launch includes a stabilizing cradle for safe and easy access in and out of the kayak, an adaptive kit with a step-down bench, overhead grab bar, hand straps, and pull bars that make it easy for individuals to move from their wheelchair into their kayak.
Megan, a local resident who had been an avid kayaker before an accident left her with limited mobility, was one of the first to use the new kayak launch. As she paddled out onto the river for the first time in years, she felt a wave of emotions wash over her: freedom, empowerment, and a deep connection to nature. "It's incredible to be back on the water," she said with joy in her eyes. "This launch allows me to kayak again, and it’s something I really enjoy!"
BoardSafe expects the impact of the adaptive kayak launch to ripple through Brownsville just as it does in other communities. There is hope for schools and community groups to organize kayak outings, and for people of all ages and abilities to come together to enjoy paddling on the Monongahela. The borough hopes the launch area will become a hub of activity and foster new friendships in the community.
BoardSafe Docks' innovative design and commitment to accessibility garnered attention from Brownsville Borough and other nearby towns with the vision to explore similar projects. The success story unfolding along the Monongahela River inspires others looking to enhance riverfront communities.
Brownsville’s riverfront access is more than a facility—it’s a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a vision of inclusivity and accessibility. It demonstrates that when barriers are removed, everyone can share in the beauty and adventure of nature. As kayakers of all abilities glide across the river, the spirit of unity and progress that has built the launch will continue to flow through the town.
Scope of Work on the Monongahela River Wharf Project
The project included
- 100 feet of floating dock installed on the Monongahela River.
- a BoardSafe Clip-A-Launch and Adaptive Boarding Kit for kayakers with limited mobility.
- a 30-ft-long accessible gangway with a handrail.
- a 30-ft long support arm to temporarily support the dock until piles are installed.
BoardSafe fast-tracked the project timeline for the borough to have it installed in time for Brownsville’s RiverFest on July, 5th, 2024. BoardSafe’s expertise and experience with similar projects allowed us to design, draft, fabricate, and install the project in less than 3 weeks.
Key stakeholders involved in the project responsible for seeing it through to completion were Mike Walters of the Brownsville Borough and McMillen Engineering, who assisted with the DNR and Army Corps of Engineers permit applications. Kevin Jones and his remarkable team of installation experts from Blue Water Docks of Chattanooga, TN, installed the floating courtesy dock, gangway, and kayak launch.
BoardSafe Docks believes our products can improve lifestyles for communities that enjoy recreating on the water and those looking for accessible and adaptive recreation. BoardSafe understands the value true accessibility brings to communities. Ask any adaptive kayaker about their feelings of enjoyment, liberation, and empowerment after they complete a paddle. Many will tell you they cannot wait to get back out on the water! Kayaking promotes healthy living, connects friends and families with nature, and encourages paddlers to be good stewards, caring for our natural resources.
BoardSafe values the partnerships we’ve developed and appreciates the opportunity to develop our customer’s visions and turn them into legacies of waterfront inclusivity for generations to come. Call us at 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com and allow us to #ACCESS YOUR ADVENTURE!
Making the Erie Canal More Accessible Throughout New York State
A new effort among the New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corporation, and Rochester Accessible Adventures, aims to guide communities in creating accessible facilities along the Erie Canal. Anita O’Brien, executive director of RAA, said her group will work with businesses and other entities who wish to make their locations more accessible and remove barriers for individuals with disabilities.
Julie Cataldo, who has cerebral palsy, uses a custom BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch in Fairport along the Erie Canal with help from her friend, Adrienne Allen, and Peter Abele, owner of the Erie Canal Boat Company in Fairport.
Read or listen to this special feature from NPR News station WXXI, Rochester, NY:
Making the Erie Canal more accessible throughout New York State | WXXI News
Darien Lakes Enhances Water Access with BoardSafe Kayak Launch
Darien Lakes State Park, nestled in western New York State approximately 30 miles east of Buffalo, has taken a significant step toward inclusivity and accessibility with the recent installation of a kayak and canoe launch on Harlow Lake. This project, a collaboration between New York State Parks and BoardSafe Docks, promises to enhance the recreational experience for all park visitors, particularly those with mobility challenges.
Harlow Lake, a serene 12-acre body of water within the park, now boasts a fully accessible kayak launch, thanks to the expertise and innovative solutions provided by BoardSafe Docks. The adaptive launch system includes a 16-foot-long gangway and kayak chute, and an 8x16-foot floating dock with adaptive launching kit, all designed to facilitate easy and safe access to the water.
The process began with the State Parks crew installing the bulkhead, followed by the meticulous assembly of the kayak launch system. The new infrastructure is a testament to the park’s commitment to providing accessible outdoor activities and fostering an inclusive environment for all visitors.
John Snyder, a key figure from NY State Parks involved in the project, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome. Snyder remarked, “The final product has already made a noticeable difference for our visitors. The adaptive kayak launch is not only functional but also user-friendly, ensuring that everyone can enjoy Harlow Lake."
This initiative aligns with a broader trend of enhancing accessibility in all state parks across New York, ensuring that nature and outdoor activities are available to everyone, regardless of physical abilities. The new kayak launch at Darien Lakes State Park is a wonderful example of how thoughtful design and collaboration can create inclusive recreational opportunities.
The addition of the kayak launch is expected to attract more visitors to the park, encouraging people of all abilities to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Harlow Lake. It stands as a model for future accessibility projects within the state park system, demonstrating that inclusivity and outdoor adventure can go hand in hand.
For more information about the new kayak launch and other accessibility features at Darien Lakes State Park, visitors are encouraged to explore the park’s website or contact the park office directly.
To learn more about the benefits of planning an inclusive launch system for your community or park system, read more about the benefits here:
6 Reasons for Designing a Universal Access Kayak Launch.
If you’d like to discuss your project’s vision with a design team member from BoardSafe Docks and learn more about our Adaptive Kayak Launch and Accessible Fishing Pier, its durable and maintenance-free construction, plus the long-term value it will bring to your community, please call us at 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.
The Evolution of Kayaking and Access for All
Think about how popular canoeing and kayaking have become over the last several years. With the increase of rails to trails and greenways spreading across our country, people’s interest in connecting with nature is real. The popularity of water trails, kayaking, and canoeing is on the rise, and communities and local governments are recognizing and responding to a growing desire to connect with the outdoors. Nature enthusiasts want to recreate on the water; therefore, access to the water where everyone can participate is being looked at differently.
People enjoy traveling and sightseeing but also value close-to-home recreation spots where they can go for a quick paddle after work, or a nearby location to take their family on the weekend. Before kayak launches became popular, we had to drag our kayaks over stones and steep embankments and struggled to get our vessels into the water. We got muddy and wet, banged our shins, and tipped our kayaks when launching our vessels into the water.
With BoardSafe’s Accessible and Adaptive Launch, universal access features provide safe and easy access to the water for all who wish to get out and paddle. The launch’s universal design accommodates paddlers in wheelchairs and makes launching vessels easier for younger, older, and novice paddlers, those with physical conditions, limited mobility, and even lower body paralysis. BoardSafe’s launch offers safe and easy access for all. The innovative launch makes paddling fun and helps improve the paddling experience for all paddlers looking to access the water.
Outdoor enthusiasts rave about the brilliance of BoardSafe's accessibility. The durability and design features of the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch mean it can be described as the best universal access kayak launch on today’s market. One park director commented, “We had our state grant inspection yesterday and the inspector reported BoardSafe’s Launch was the best canoe/kayak launch they’ve ever seen.” Everyone knows that getting in and out of a kayak or canoe is often the most difficult part of the sport. With BoardSafe’s signature features, designed with input from a group of adaptive paddlers and professionals who support them, our innovative aluminum floating dock system has proven to be the best commercial launching system available to communities and parks looking for improved accessibility.
Research from Outdoor Industry
The economic, recreational, and environmental benefits of investing in and improving access for all are now recognized. Recent research from the Outdoor Industry reflects the sport’s surge in popularity. The Outdoor Recreation Economy Report identifies outdoor recreation as one of our nation's largest economic sectors. According to this report, outdoor recreation generates $887 billion in consumer spending annually, 7.6 million American jobs, $65.3 billion in federal tax revenue, and $59.2 billion in state and local tax revenue.
The Economic Impact of Parks and Rivers
Parks and rivers have become powerful economic drivers for communities. Policymakers, elected officials, and parks and recreation professionals have noticed how investments improve the standard of living. There is compelling evidence of the positive impacts in the tourism, hotel, restaurant, and recreation industries. The investment in an accessible kayak launch—particularly one built of non-corroding aluminum, composite lumber, non-polluting flotation, and stainless steel—will pay dividends to communities for years to come.
Benefits of Creating More Access Points to Our Rivers
With outdoor recreation growing and being one of our largest economic contributors, creating accessible water access points will benefit local communities. Why is this true? Because people of all abilities are hooked on paddle sports. When you step into a kayak and take those first few paddle strokes, nature surrounds you. It’s easy to understand how nature’s draw pulls people to the water.
Paddling and kayak fishing have become everyone’s favorite hobbies and sought-after forms of outdoor recreation. Kayaking is an inclusive activity that offers paddlers with disabilities the opportunity to be out on the water like everyone else.
BoardSafe Is Recognized as an Industry Leader in Accessibility
BoardSafe is a leading provider of innovative access solutions specializing in designing, fabricating, and installing floating docks, gangways, pedestrian bridges, adaptive kayak launches, and accessible fishing piers that promote accessibility and inclusivity for waterfront activities.
BoardSafe is the industry expert with innovative solutions and specialized knowledge and understanding for designing floating docks, gangways, pedestrian bridges, adaptive kayak launches, and accessible fishing piers that promote accessibility and inclusivity for waterfront activities. Our projects are individualized to meet our customers' needs and site requirements. Since no two waterfront projects are the same, we share our understanding of site requirements to ensure accessibility. Our experience and specialization are unmatched by anyone else in the marine industry.
Everyone Benefits
It's a common misconception that an accessible kayak launch is ONLY intended for people with mobility impairments. The truth is that an accessible launch benefits the entire community and assists people of all abilities with accessing the water. Able-bodied paddlers love an accessible launch because it offers a simple and dry way to enter the water. BoardSafe’s launch also helps novice paddlers and families with young children learn how to enter a kayak and paddle safely. The accessibility features also benefit people with minor impairments, such as a bad knee or hip.
How Does the Launch Attract More Paddlers?
Nearly 20% of the U.S. population live with a form of disability, and approximately 12% live with a mobility disability. This is a sizable portion of our population who still want to enjoy recreating on the water with family and friends. This is why the features of the BoardSafe launch have such an appeal. Our universal design features will enhance your waterfront and provide access for all people who wish to get out and paddle with family and friends. Your investment in our accessible product line—built of aluminum, composite lumber, non-polluting flotation, and stainless steel—is virtually maintenance-free and will pay dividends to communities for years to come.
Contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 for more information on your solution for inclusive access with universal design features and to learn more about the unique projects we have designed and built that no other dock builders are capable of. We meet the needs of persons with disabilities and will serve your whole community with accessible waterfront designs that everyone can appreciate.
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.
ADA-Compliant BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch Installed at Grand Marais, MN
Grand Marais, Minnesota, announced the installation of a new BoardSafe ADA Adaptive Kayak Launch at the Grand Marais Recreation Park Boat Landing on Lake Superior. The improvements include adding a kayak and canoe launch and floating dock, stormwater management practices, an aquatic invasive species stall, a walkable breakwater, and the removal of the public works facility building, all supported by their partners from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Grand Marais’ Chamber of Commerce, and the City Council Park Board. These improved amenities will enhance the outdoor experience for all visitors and attract visitors to the park and lake.
The adaptive launch was designed, engineered, and manufactured by BoardSafe Docks and coordinated with Dave Tersteeg, the Recreation Parks Manager, who feels this one-of-a-kind launch will be a game-changer on their lake for paddlers with limited mobility. The accessible project includes
- (1) 8x16 floating dock.
- (1) 16-ft. clip-a-launch.
- (1) adaptive kit, roll cage with overhead grab bar, and boarding bench.
- (1) 36-ft. x 4-ft. single rail gangway.
- (1) 36-ft. chute.
- bulkhead mounting angle.
- directional sign.
Other improvements to the location include a new boat launch, improved parking, and accessible restrooms welcoming people of all abilities to come out and enjoy the water.
WTIP shared the following article about the new accessible amenity at the park:
ADA-compliant kayak dock installed at Grand Marais Recreation Park boat landing.
Recent data from the Research News – Outdoor Industry Association shows that the popularity of kayaking and paddle sports continues to grow. Their data specific to kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding, found a record number of 37.9 million Americans engaged in paddlesports during 2020, adding 2.5 million new paddlers to America’s waterways. COVID may have contributed to the increase, but a few years later, these numbers are here to stay and continue to grow. The growth in kayaking, kayak fishing, and other paddlesports, has increased the number of paddlers seeking launch sites that offer access to all, especially people with physical disabilities and mobility limitations. Unfortunately, many access points exclude paddlers with disabilities and limited mobility because their infrastructure is outdated or the sites lack the necessary adaptive features to make them truly inclusive launch sites.
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.
BoardSafe Docks is a nationally recognized manufacturer of floating dock systems and a trusted expert who provides education and guidance when planning and designing inclusive water access products, specifically our highly-requested adaptive kayak launch and adaptive fishing pier.
To discuss your inclusive project, or for help designing your non-motorized water access site, contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 or through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.