Bass Pro Tour Accesses Lake Chickamauga with BoardSafe Docks
The excitement is underway at Chester Frost Park on Lake Chickamauga, just north of Chattanooga, TN, as Stage Four of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour takes center stage. This 280-acre stretch of water along the Tennessee River is the perfect backdrop for one of the sport’s premier events, drawing professional anglers and fishing fans alike for four days of high-stakes competition.
BoardSafe Docks is proud to play a key role in the event by providing the gangways, fishing piers, and courtesy docks that ensure seamless access to the water, helping launch what promises to be an unforgettable week of fishing.
Sixty-six top anglers are competing in the Qualifying Rounds on Lake Chickamauga on Thursday and Friday. The action heats up this weekend as the tournament moves downriver to Lake Nickajack, with the Knockout Round on Saturday and the Championship Round on Sunday.
The tournament kicked off at sunrise with strong momentum and an enthusiastic crowd.
“BoardSafe’s docks were loaded with people this morning and made a great impression at one of Tennessee Parks’ signature access areas,” said Dennis Tumlin of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
BoardSafe is honored to support this professional-level event by contributing infrastructure that enhances both function and experience. Collaborating with Tennessee State Parks, TWRA, and Harrison County Parks and Recreation, we’re proud to help provide safe, accessible, and durable waterfront access.
Events like the Bass Pro Tour bring more than just great fishing—they generate meaningful economic impact for the region, boosting local businesses, hotels, and restaurants.
Want to follow the action?
- 🎣 Watch live coverage daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET on MLFNOW!
See more Gallery photos from Day #1 here:
GALLERY: Stage 4 kicks off on Chickamauga - Major League Fishing
BoardSafeDocks helps communities chart their course to an accessible waterfront. Contact us at BoardSafeDocks.com and allow us to help you #AccessYourAdventure.
BoardSafe & Venture Outdoors Launch Pittsburgh's Premier Paddle Center
BoardSafe Docks is proud to collaborate with Venture Outdoors of Pittsburgh, PA, on an exciting and innovative project: a one-of-a-kind paddle center along the Allegheny River in front of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. After nearly two years of planning and collaboration, this state-of-the-art floating paddle and rental facility is poised to position Pittsburgh as a leader in urban paddlesports access.
The new paddle center will serve as a downtown hub for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), providing residents and visitors near the convention center with easy access to Pittsburgh’s iconic Three Rivers. With over 75 kayaks and other non-motorized paddle crafts, the center will feature multiple launch areas—including one specifically designed for paddlers in wheelchairs who require additional adaptive features to access the water.
The floating docks will span an impressive 100 feet by 50 feet, creating a vibrant, functional space for recreation right in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. According to VisitPittsburgh, the concession is expected to boost tourism, drawing both locals and visitors to the waterfront.
Phase One Launching Near Memorial Day
Phase one of the project is slated to open near Memorial Day, marking a major milestone in downtown Pittsburgh’s efforts to expand outdoor recreation opportunities. This launch will open access to nature, particularly for those who live, work, or visit downtown and may not have the time or transportation to venture outside the city to recreate.
Venture Outdoors: Removing Barriers, Creating Access
Venture Outdoors is committed to ensuring that all of its programs are inclusive and meaningful for the community. By removing barriers—both physical and systemic—the organization creates opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities to experience the natural beauty in and around the City of Pittsburgh.
Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a curious beginner, Venture Outdoors provides equitable access to nature through kayak rentals, guided outings, paddling classes, and educational events. Learn more about their programs at ventureoutdoors.org or follow them on Facebook. You can also access a program calendar here for outings you may wish to participate in: Outings – Venture Outdoors.
Why Urban Outdoor Spaces Matter
In a busy city like Pittsburgh, not everyone has access to a car—or the time to leave the city—to escape into nature. That’s why local, walkable, outdoor recreation options are essential. Studies show that easy access to nature improves physical and mental health, reduces stress, and supports work-life balance. A central location like the Pittsburgh Convention Center, easily accessible to residents, conference attendees, and tourists alike, makes paddling on Pittsburgh’s rivers more convenient and inviting.
A Collaboration Rooted in Community Impact
While Venture Outdoors was searching for a permanent city base, they also found BoardSafe Docks, a nationally recognized designer, engineer, and manufacturer of aluminum floating dock systems from Eastern PA. Using BoardSafe’s experience in the industry allowed them to share their wishlist and collaborate on a design that would work for their organization and benefit the city, tourism, and local economy.
For close to 2 years, BoardSafe Docks has been working closely with Ash Andrews, Executive Director of Venture Outdoors, and Luke Borowy, Director of Paddlesports, to bring this vision to life. “We love a good partnership,” said Scott Tihansky of BoardSafe Docks. “By working with organizations connected to paddling, local government, and tourism, we’re able to offer a vital service that connects people to nature, enhances connections within communities, and boosts the local economy.”
Known for its expertise in accessible and adaptive waterfront design, BoardSafe Docks creates systems that remove barriers and offer universal access to all. With this new facility, Venture Outdoors and Kayak Pittsburgh will maintain high-quality rental gear and offer safe, memorable experiences for all users. When phase one of the rental facility gears up to open, trying paddle sports within the downtown area won’t get any easier.
Looking Ahead: Phase Two
Venture Outdoors is continuing its fundraising efforts for a second phase of the paddle center, which includes a kayak storage building, classroom space for educational outreach programs, and flexible meeting areas for community events. These additions will further enhance the Paddle Center’s role as a vibrant educational and recreational hub for the city.
Explore More
- Learn more about this project from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: $1.3M kayak hub outside Convention Center 'further positions Pittsburgh as an outdoor destination'
- View a similar project completed by BoardSafe in Austin, TX, and its impact on the city.Texas Rowing Center - the World Class Rowing Center Built by BoardSafe Docks
Let’s Get You on the Water
To find out how BoardSafe Docks can help you create your waterfront access point, adaptive paddle launch, accessible fishing pier, or courtesy boat dock, contact us at (610) 899-0286 or visit us at BoardSafeDocks.com. Let us help you design and build a space that draws people to the water, enhances the paddling experience, connects people to nature, and improves the local economy. #AccessYourAdventure #Kayaking #Paddling #KayakRentals
Polecat Catfish Tournament Starts New Season with BoardSafe Docks
March has arrived, bringing longer days, more sunshine, and the return of warm-weather river adventures. In Loudon County, Tennessee, just southwest of Knoxville, anglers are especially excited to launch their boats at an updated TWRA location with an updated boat ramp, gangway, and courtesy dock on the Tennessee River.
The Loudon community kicked off its Polecat Catfish Tournament season on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the newly improved TWRA boat ramp and courtesy dock, located at 29302 Loudon Highway, Loudon. While “Polecat” isn’t its official name, the community has affectionately adopted the title, and everyone knows it. The site now features a single-lane boat ramp, an aluminum gangway, and a floating courtesy dock, all of which received much-needed upgrades. A newly paved parking lot for cars, trucks, and trailers completes the improvements.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) operates the launch in partnership with the Loudon County Parks and Recreation Department, and collaborated with BoardSafe Docks to design, manufacture, and install the accessible gangway and floating courtesy dock.
Given these updates, it was fitting for the Polecat Catfish Tournament to launch its season at this revitalized location. I had the chance to speak with John Stringfield, the tournament’s director, about what the improvements mean to the local fishing community.
A tradition of fishing and fellowship
Not knowing much about competitive catfishing, I did some research on the group’s Facebook page and had an insightful conversation with John. One thing became clear: he and his fellow anglers are thrilled with the site improvements. “This new site means so much to all of us. We’re like family," John told me. "Not only do we help and support each other on the water, but in life."
The Polecat Catfish Tournament began as a local event sponsored by G-Daddy’s Bait and Tackle Shop, a family-owned business that had long supported Loudon fishermen. They hosted monthly tournaments until age and health concerns led them to pass the torch. Enter John Stringfield, an avid fisherman and long-time tournament participant, who stepped up as tournament director about two and a half years ago.
Since taking over, John has expanded the tournament from six boats and 14 participants to nine boats and 20 anglers, who must participate in 10 out of 16 individual events to be considered for the Angler of the Year competition. Last year, almost 100 anglers competed in single-day tournaments. Some competitors drive over an hour to take part, drawn by the camaraderie and love of the sport. The tournament now boasts 12 local sponsors; a strong testament to its growing impact on the community.
Fishing, for John, is more than just a pastime. As a child, he learned to fish from his father, gaining valuable life lessons along the way. "Fishing taught me patience, perseverance, and an appreciation for my surroundings," he shared. Over time, those lessons evolved into lifelong friendships, built on countless hours spent together casting lines on the water.
A commitment to conservation
Beyond competition, the Polecat Catfish Tournament emphasizes environmental stewardship. Participants follow strict regulations to ensure fish are handled responsibly. Live wells are required to keep catfish healthy until weigh-ins, and all fish are carefully recorded before being released back into the water.
Many of these anglers recognize local catfish by size, weight, and distinctive markings, a testament to their deep connection to the sport and the ecosystem. The group also supports Operation Vets for Nets and youth angler programs, sharing their passion for fishing with veterans and young outdoor enthusiasts.
Running the tournament takes teamwork. Volunteers assist with registration, record-keeping, photography, live-well checks, weigh-ins, and measurements, ensuring everything runs smoothly. It's a true community effort, all brought together by a shared love of fishing.
As my 10-minute interview turned into a 45-minute conversation, John's passion became undeniable. He is dedicated to growing the tournament, fostering connections, and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the sport as much as he does. Thanks to the improvements at the Polecat Boat Launch, and community support from its sponsors and volunteers, the group is poised for another great season—one where fishing isn’t just about the catch, but about the community it brings together and the friendships that are formed. More information on this group is available on their Facebook page: Polecat Catfish Tournament.
However, you don’t have to be a tournament catfisher to come out and enjoy the new Polecat Launch. All good stewards are welcome to come out and connect with nature and test their fishing skills at this and other TWRA locations. More information on fishing is available at this link: Fishing In Tennessee.
BoardSafe Docks offers commercial aluminum fishing piers, accessible courtesy docks, and adaptive kayak launches that can be customized to suit our customer’s needs. Our piers, gangways, and bridges are designed for marine applications in lakes, marshes, rivers, and other bodies of water. BoardSafe designs and manufactures numerous products that meet the highest construction requirements. Our accessible products offer universal access to all. Contact us at BoardSafe Docks or give us a call at 610-899-0286 to learn how we can help improve your recreational experiences along the water. #AccessYourAdventure
New Year = New Adventures from BoardSafe Docks
The start of a new year often heralds the start of a new life, at least in part. The excitement of the celebration usually wells up into resolutions to take action to make one a better person. It's also an opportunity to drop a few more items into the bucket list of things we want to see, places we want to visit, and adventures we want to experience.
For the differently-abled person, that bucket may appear shallow or completely empty. The results of an accident or serious health issue can leave us believing life has passed us by or our world has shrunk to a boring cinder. BoardSafe Docks takes pride in helping people—especially mobility-challenged individuals—discover or rediscover outdoor adventures that can enrich their lives.
BoardSafe Docks' innovative products provide safe, adaptive access to waterways of various types in exciting locations, opening up the great outdoors to everyone. An individual who thought they couldn't get out on the water due to mobility limitations can now join family and friends in fishing, paddling, birding, and just leisurely floating along, taking in the sights and sounds of local waterways. Family activities can again become a reality in the great outdoors!
A differently-abled person is still a full person deserving of the pleasures of life. Thanks to groups like Team River Runner and other adaptive sports groups, paddlers can join like-minded adventurers and meet new friends.
Here are some articles about how BoardSafe Docks' products and projects have reached into the bucket and crossed off an adaptive list item.
Adaptive Kayak Launch Brings Joy to Team River Runner
The Evolution of Kayaking and Access for All
BoardSafe Spokesman and Accessible Sports Advocate Ken Ryno Keeps Chugging Along
Minsi Lake’s Adaptive Kayak Launch and Fishing Piers 1 Year Later
Including More Paddlers With an Accessible Kayak Launch
Beaver Creek Flotilla: Building Community and So Much More
Chester Frost Park’s New 80-ft. Gangway, Accessible Fishing Pier, Courtesy Docks
BoardSafe’s Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch, designed for universal access, improves the paddling experience for paddlers of all abilities looking for a safer and easier entrance into the water.
To discuss your project and learn more about BoardSafe Docks and our specific adaptive features that work for the widest range of users, please call us at 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.
We’re heading back to the NRPA Conference 2024. Are you?
The NRPA Conference is taking place October 8 - October 10 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. This event is the largest annual gathering of park and recreation professionals in one place, and an excellent opportunity to showcase, network, and learn about products and services in the field of recreation.
Come see BoardSafe Docks in the Exhibit Hall in Booth #2642!
BoardSafe’s kayak launch is designed for universal access and offers great stability with adaptive features. It improves the kayaking experience for paddlers of all abilities. The launch system is designed to accommodate both kayaks and canoes and is a perfect addition to parks, marinas, and waterfronts looking to improve accessibility.
For those looking to enhance their kayaking adventure with a safer, stable, and easy launch system, please stop by booth #2642. Scott and Dave from BoardSafe Docks would love to share information about BoardSafe’s product line and show you the features of an adaptive kayak launch. It’s not too late to register for the NRPA 2024 Annual Conference. We hope to see you there!
#NRPA2024 #WhereYouBelong #UniversalAccess #AccessibleSolutions
We're Counting Down Until #ASLA2024 in D.C.! Will you be there?
BoardSafe Docks is attending the ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture October 6th – 9th in Washington, DC.
The ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture is the largest annual gathering of landscape architecture and allied professionals, all coming together to learn, connect, share knowledge, gain inspiration, and bring value to their practice. The conference offers sessions, professional development, networking opportunities, and a world-class EXPO featuring over 275 vendors showcasing cutting-edge products and services.
Come see BoardSafe Docks in Booth #3757
BoardSafe’s kayak launch is designed for universal access and offers great stability with adaptive features. It improves the kayaking experience for paddlers of all abilities. The launch system is designed to accommodate both kayaks and canoes and is a perfect addition to parks, marinas, and waterfronts looking to improve accessibility.
For those looking to enhance their kayaking adventure with a safer, stable, and easy to launch system, please stop by booth #3757 in the exhibit hall. Tom Warchol and Kelly Beals from BoardSafe Docks would love to share information about BoardSafe’s product line and demonstrate the features of an adaptive kayak launch in person. It’s not too late to register at the ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture. We hope to connect with you there!
#ASLA2024 #BoardSafeDocks #UniversalAccess #AccessibleSolutions
BoardSafe Docks Had a Busy Summer Season!
While many of you were enjoying spring and summer paddling excursions, BoardSafe Docks was busy designing, engineering, and manufacturing more universal access kayak launches for all paddlers to enjoy.
BoardSafe’s kayak launch is designed for easy access, great stability, and adaptive features for those who need them. The launch is well-known for providing a seamless experience for paddlers of all abilities. BoardSafe’s launch system is designed to accommodate both kayaks and canoes and is a perfect addition to parks, marinas, and waterfronts where accessibility needs improvement. For those looking to enhance their kayaking adventure with a safer, stable, and easy launch system, try out a BoardSafe Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch near you!
We’ve updated our map in the link below to assist you with finding a BoardSafe Kayak Launch location near you. We always recommend checking in with park offices to determine the exact location of our universally designed system.
We apologize if one of our launch systems near you has been overlooked as we try to keep our map up-to-date. Please contact us through our website if you notice that a launch system near you is missing from our map. Happy Paddling!
BoardSafe Docks Adaptive Launch Map
PFBC Accepting Applications for Boating Facility Grant Program
BoardSafe Docks, innovators in the planning, design, manufacture, and installation of adaptive and accessible floating docks and launches, is spreading the word that the PA Fish and Boat Commission is offering grants for improving public boating facilities on our waterways.
Grants have enabled many Pennsylvania parks and other venues to invest in BoardSafe's unique docks and launches, providing recreational opportunities for all community members.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (September 5) – As a growing number of communities realize the positive social and economic impacts of having convenient boating access along their local waterways, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is excited to offer the next round of Boating Facility Grants to help communities capitalize on the surge in new boating activity.
The Boating Facility Grant program provides grants for planning, acquisition, development, expansion, and rehabilitation of public boating facilities located on the waters of the Commonwealth.
The PFBC encourages townships, boroughs, and municipal and county governments to apply. Nonprofit groups (501c3) including land trusts, conservancies, and watershed associations are also eligible to apply. Private businesses and service clubs are not eligible for direct funding but are encouraged to partner with their local county or municipality.
“Across Pennsylvania, momentum continues to grow around outdoor recreation as a whole, and the enthusiasm we’re seeing for recreational boating is incredible,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “Participation in paddlesports, especially kayaking, has surged, and many communities are eager to accommodate families and individuals by adding or improving safe and convenient public access to the water. Funds awarded through this grant program can help communities develop projects, particularly projects that are accessible for all, to improve existing access areas or develop something new to serve local residents and attract recreational boaters to their communities.”
Applicants can seek grants for site acquisition, development, expansion, prevention of the spread of aquatic invasive species, and rehabilitation of recreational boat access facilities. Eligible construction projects may include, boat ramps, courtesy floats, restrooms, access roads, parking areas and signs. Funds may also be used to enhance the facility’s ADA compliance or by adding adaptive elements to the access site. Applicants are encouraged to keep accessibility for all in mind when developing their applications.
Funding requests require a 50% match. For the 2025 round of grants, the PFBC will accept applications from anywhere in the Commonwealth.
The deadline for applications is November 30, 2024.
For more information about the Boating Facility Grant Program and application form, visit the PFBC’s website at fishandboat.com/Transact/Grants/Pages/BoatingFacilityGrantProgram.aspx.
BoardSafe prides itself on developing a trusting and respectful relationship with its clients throughout the design and manufacturing process. Their team understands their products’ impact on communities and has witnessed their product designs improve lifestyles for the adaptive and recreation-loving communities they serve. They are proud of the partnerships they develop with their customers and appreciate the opportunity to develop their customers’ visions and turn them into legacies of waterfront inclusivity for generations to come. For more information, contact us at 610-899-0286 or through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.
Cowan Lake Cultivates Inclusivity—BoardSafe Accessible Fishing Pier
The Ohio Division of Natural Resources operates Cowan Lake State Park in southwest Ohio. Cowan Lake, located at 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, OH, now offers accessible fishing with a BoardSafe Accessible Fishing Pier.
The Ohio Division of Natural Resources and Division of Wildlife manages the state’s fisheries. They enhance the fish habitat by improving the spawning habitat, installing fish attractors, stocking fish, implementing fishing regulations, and incorporating park and water features. They understand that fishing isn't just a great way to spend time with friends and family outdoors—it's also an inexpensive way to eat freshly caught fish and help the natural ecology of their lakes and parks.
Cowan’s peaceful lake and scenic inlets offer fishing, boating, camping, cabins, nature trails, swimming, and picnicking. Hiking pathways wind through mature trees and foliage. Overnight guests can reserve and rent deluxe family cabins or camp in their comfortable campground.
The Division of Wildlife operates six hatcheries throughout the state and maintains a variety of fishing opportunities for residents. Annually, the ODNR propagates up to 30 million fish. The primary species produced are walleye, channel catfish, striped bass, saugeye, muskellunge, and rainbow trout, making fishing opportunities attractive to those who fish for sport or enjoyment in Ohio.
The project specifications at Cowan Lake included:
- one (1) 6’ wide x 20’ long aluminum gangway with dual-sided handrail and supplemental flotation.
- one (1) Bulkhead Hinge Connection Kit.
- one (1) 6’2” wide x 20’ long floating docks.
- two (2) 8’2” wide x 20’ long floating docks.
- two (2) transition strips connecting docks.
- two (2) External Elongated Piling Guides.
- two (2) 3’’ wide x 8’ long galvanized steel pilings.
- Fishing Handrail around the perimeter of (2) 8’2” wide docks.
- Standard Handrail around the perimeter of (1) 6’2” wide dock.
Whether you wish to enjoy a lakeside breeze or experience exciting fishing, BoardSafe’s fishing piers and aluminum floating docks are unique because they are engineered and constructed for easy accessibility. The gangway accommodates wheelchairs with a 1:12 slope or less and its low-rise thresholds provide a 4-inch protective toe kick on both sides of the gangway. Dual continuous handrails run along the perimeter of the docks and on both sides of the ramp. The standard railing height is 42 inches, and the additional intermediate handrail to accommodate wheelchair users is at 34 inches and consistent with ADA requirements.
The project at Cowan Lake and the improvements to its fishing areas have made it a popular place to visit and a fishing destination for decades to come. Those who are disabled or have limited mobility will appreciate the accessibility to the water. BoardSafe specializes in manufacturing aluminum floating docks, adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, gangways, pedestrian bridges, and rowing centers. BoardSafe design experts can offer both standard and ADA-featured products and provide personalized design solutions for your water access project. If you’d like to learn more, visit BoardSafeDocks.com or call us at 610-899-0286.
Knox Lake BoardSafe Fishing Pier Offers Accessibility to All
The Ohio Division of Natural Resources operates Knox Lake State Park, located at 17811 Buena Vista Dr, Fredericktown, OH 43019. This 756-acre wildlife area is in central Ohio, about 1½ miles northeast of Fredericktown. The lake now offers a BoardSafe Accessible Fishing Pier, accessible to all, and even accommodates persons in wheelchairs.
The Division of Wildlife maintains the amenities at the lake and fishing is one of its most popular recreational activities. Knox Lake has one of the best largemouth bass fisheries in the state and is heavily targeted for large trophy flathead catfish. Other fishing opportunities include black and white crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and yellow perch.
History of the Lake
Knox Lake was built by the ODNR Division of Wildlife in 1954. Its purpose was primarily for recreation. After nearly 60 years of service, the Knox Lake Dam required repair for the safety of its visitors.
In June 2020, the Division of Wildlife invested significant resources to repair, renovate, and replace parts of the dam, spillway, and main boat access. Improvements also allow them to control lake levels and prevent erosion. Public safety was the primary goal of this project, and the improvements to its fishing areas have made it a popular place to visit and a favorite fishing destination for decades to come.
Specifications of the BoardSafe Accessible Fishing Pier
- one (1) 6’ wide x 20’ long aluminum gangway with dual-sided handrail and supplemental flotation
- one (1) Bulkhead Hinge Connection Kit
- two (2) 6’2” wide x 20’ long floating docks
- two (2) 8’2” wide x 20’ long floating docks
- three (3) transition strips connecting docks
- two (2) External Elongated Piling Guides
- fishing handrail around the perimeter of (2) 8’2” wide docks
Adaptive fishing piers and aluminum floating docks are unique because they are engineered and constructed with the adaptive athlete in mind, using ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features. Whether you wish to enjoy a lakeside breeze or some exciting fishing, BoardSafe’s accessible aluminum fishing piers and floating docks provide accessibility for all.
The ADA features include a 1:12-slope aluminum gangway, as well as low-rise thresholds. The adaptive fishing piers, floating docks, and gangways have a 36″ continuous handrail along the perimeter, protective toe kick for wheelchair safety, and are consistent with ADA requirements. BoardSafe engineers its aluminum floating docks for adaptive fishing piers to provide maximum stability on the water.
To find out more about Adaptive Fishing Piers and installations, check out our website at BoardSafeDocks.com, or give us a call at 610–899-0286. Also, visit ADA Boat Launch, Floating Dock, and Fishing Pier.