BoardSafe and Creating Ability, Collaborating to Make Paddling More Accessible
Collaborating to Make Paddling More Accessible
BoardSafeDocks believes in the details that make a real difference. Our latest collaboration with Creating Ability focuses on the wheelchair-to-kayak transition — a small change to the launch experience that means a lot to the people using it.
Learn more here about our two companies here: Adaptive Kayak Launch - BoardSafe & SideStep – Creating Ability
BoardSafeDocks and Creating Ability have collaborated and modified Creating Ability’s SideStep Bench, a bench designed to help wheelchair users safely move to and from low surfaces. BoardSafeDocks will be using the modified SideStep on their Adaptive Kayak Launch, making it even more accessible to those who need accommodations to enter their kayak.
Here’s a sneak peak of what the new bench looks like:
Stop by our booth #2601 at #NRPA2026 to see how the bench works and what the SideStep looks like on our Adaptive Kayak Launch. Meet Scott Tihansky, Tom Warchol, and David Tihansky from BoardSafe Docks, and Kevin Carr from Creating Ability, and see what happens when experience, innovation, and a shared commitment to accessibility come together!
Our collaboration is about removing barriers between people and the water.
Two Companies. One Shared Goal.
BoardSafeDocks helps paddlers access the water with waterfront infrastructure.
Creating Ability designs adaptive paddling equipment for an improved paddling experience.
We look forward to seeing you at Booth #2601 | #NRPA2026 | Philadelphia Convention Center I September 29–30, 2026
@BoardSafeDocks @CreatingAbility @NRPA2026
#AdaptiveRecreation #AccessibleParks #AccessYourAdventure #TransferBench #SideStep
BoardSafe Docks + Creating Ability: Working Together to Make Paddling More Accessible
Two leaders in adaptive paddling are collaborating on a better way to help paddlers of all abilities get on the water.
For adaptive paddlers, one of the most challenging parts of getting on the water can happen before the paddle ever begins: transferring safely and comfortably from a wheelchair into a kayak.Over the past several months, BoardSafe Docks and Creating Ability have been working together to explore a practical solution designed to make that important transition easier, more comfortable, and more accessible for paddlers of all abilities.
It’s a collaboration that makes sense. BoardSafe Docks has built its Adaptive Kayak Launch around something we believe is essential to good design: listen to the people who actually use it.
BoardSafe's Adaptive Kayak Launch was developed with input from adaptive paddlers, members of the Team River Runner community, recreation and physical therapists, disability advocates, and individuals including Ken Ryno, Bill Bogdan, Robert Amelio Jr., and others, who understand firsthand the challenges of accessing the water.
That input has helped BoardSafe continue to improve an adaptive launch system designed to provide greater independence, stability, and confidence at the water’s edge.
Creating Ability brings another important piece to that experience.
Since 2004, Creating Ability has helped make paddling possible for people with a wide range of abilities through adaptive kayaking equipment, education, demonstrations, and hands-on support. The company provides outfitted adaptive kayaks and specialized paddling equipment designed to help more people experience the freedom and enjoyment of being on the water. Creating Ability has traveled tens of thousands of miles supporting adaptive paddling events, organizations, individuals with disabilities, and their families.
Two Companies. One Shared Goal.
BoardSafe helps paddlers access the water.
Creating Ability helps paddlers adapt the paddling experience.
Now, we're bringing those areas of expertise together to address one of the most important moments in adaptive paddling: the transfer from wheelchair to kayak. And we’re excited to share what we've been working on.
See It at #NRPA2026
BoardSafe Docks and Creating Ability will share Booth #2601 at the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
We’ll be in the Exhibit Hall: September 29–30, 2026
Stop by Booth #2601 to meet Scott Tihansky and Tom Warchol from BoardSafe Docks and Kevin Carr from Creating Ability, and see what can happen when experience, innovation, and a shared commitment to accessibility come together.
This collaboration is about more than equipment. It’s about removing barriers between people and the water.
Stop back Monday for another pre-show announcement and a closer look at what we'll be bringing to Philadelphia.
We look forward to seeing you at Booth #2601 | NRPA 2026 | Philadelphia
What Makes a Truly Accessible & Adaptive Kayak Launch?
Accessibility is more than a label. It’s about removing the barriers that prevent people from getting on the water.
For more than 20 years, BoardSafe Docks has designed and manufactured high-performance aluminum waterfront systems for public and private clients across the country. Our expertise includes adaptive kayak launches, floating boat docks, gangways, fishing piers, marinas, pedestrian bridges, and rowing centers.
Designed With Adaptive Paddlers—Not Just For Them
BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch was developed in 2012 through collaboration with an environmental engineer, physical therapists, an accessibility coordinator, and adaptive paddlers from the Lehigh Valley Chapter of Team River Runner.
Their firsthand experience helped us identify the real barriers wheelchair users face, from reaching the launch to transferring into a kayak and safely getting back out of the water. That collaboration continues to influence our design today.
The result is an adaptive launch designed to provide greater independence, stability, safety, and dignity for paddlers of varying abilities.
Key Features That Make the Difference
- ADA-compliant gangway with a maximum 1:12 slope for access between shore and the launch.
- Tiered boarding bench designed to facilitate transfers from a wheelchair into a kayak.
- Pull-out seat positioned over the kayak cockpit to minimize the transfer distance.
- Kayak chute and saddle designed to securely cradle the vessel and reduce unwanted movement.
- Adaptive roll cage with overhead grab bars, handrails, and handstraps that provide multiple user preferences when transferring.
- Spacious aluminum floating dock providing room for wheelchair maneuvering and additional wheelchairs.
- Perimeter toe kick to help prevent wheelchairs from accidentally rolling off the dock.
- Continuous handrails along the gangway and launch for additional safety and support.
Stability Matters
BoardSafe does not use roller-based kayak launch systems. Our saddle-style cradle securely supports the kayak and helps minimize shifting during transfers.
This is particularly important for adaptive paddlers who need a stable platform when entering or exiting a vessel. BoardSafe’s design also helps protect higher-end kayaks that can be vulnerable to roller systems
Built for the Waterfront
BoardSafe launches are constructed with marine-grade aluminum, composite decking, and stainless-steel fasteners and are engineered for demanding waterfront environments. Our systems are structurally engineered and built to last.
BoardSafe has built nearly 200 Adaptive Kayak Launches across the United States, with systems designed to withstand wind, waves, flooding, and corrosive environments.
Don't Just Look at the Label, Look at the User Experience
“ADA” and “accessible” do not necessarily mean a launch will work for a person with a mobility impairment. ADA guidelines provide limited direction regarding actual transfers from a wheelchair into a kayak or canoe from floating or fixed docks.
When evaluating an adaptive kayak launch, ask these questions:
- Can a wheelchair user independently reach the launch?
- Can they safely transfer into their vessel?
- Does the kayak remain stable during the transfer?
- Is there adequate overhead and hand support?
- Can the paddler safely return to the launch and exit safely after being on the water?
- Do you have a user video demonstrating successful entry, launching, and exit?
BoardSafe believes true accessibility means answering yes to all of these questions.
BoardSafe User Videos & Testimonials:
Adaptive Kayak Launch at Lake Chaminwood
Adaptive Paddler Reviews Accessible Kayak Launch After First Experience
Getting boat from vehicle to water: Adaptive kayak launch makes it easy
The BoardSafe Difference
BoardSafe doesn't simply build an accessible dock. We build access to the experience.
With proven designs, user-informed features, durable aluminum construction, and nearly 200 launches in operation nationwide, BoardSafe provides communities with a long-term solution for creating more inclusive waterfronts.
#BoardSafeDocks #UniversalAccess #AccessibleKayakLaunch #AccessibleFishingPier #Access Your Adventure #BeyondTheAccessibleCheckbox
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.
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
Heritage Park Lake Expands Access with BoardSafe Kayak Launch
Another community is expanding access to the water with a new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch!
Recently installed at Heritage Park Lake in Olathe, Kansas, this new launch enhances access to the Heritage Park Marina, which is part of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD). Connected by a new ADA-accessible pathway to the existing dock, the launch provides paddlers with a safer, easier, and more independent way to enjoy the water.
Heritage Park is a premier outdoor recreation destination, spanning 1,239 acres and featuring a 40-acre lake, picnic shelters, playgrounds, dog parks, outdoor fitness equipment, sports fields, disc golf, and a championship golf course, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
BoardSafe designed and manufactured the following components for the launch:
- 4' x 40' Gangway
- 12' x 16' Floating Dock
- Adaptive Boarding Kit with Paddlers in Wheelchairs
- Accessible Kayak Launch
We're proud to help communities like Olathe create inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities that connect more people to nature and the joy of paddling.
BoardSafe Docks continues to lead the industry in accessible outdoor recreation infrastructure, helping parks, municipalities, and waterfront destinations create meaningful opportunities for everyone to enjoy nature, paddling, fishing, and life on the water.
For more information about improving accessibility at your park, lake, or waterfront, contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 to discuss customized solutions for your accessibility challenges.
#AccessYourAdventure #AccessiblePaddling #Kayaking #UniversalAccess #OutdoorRecreation #BoardSafeDocks #AdaptiveRecreation #InclusionMatters
BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch Opens on the Kankakee in Wilmington, IL
The City of Wilmington, Illinois, is expanding access to outdoor recreation with the recent installation of a BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch on the beautiful Kankakee River.
Working on behalf of the Forest Preserve District of Will County, Chamlin & Associates collaborated closely with BoardSafe throughout the design process, allowing BoardSafe’s expertise in waterfront construction to guide the design on key structural elements including gangway length, support features, and a specialized anchoring system designed to secure the launch system to land during fluctuating water levels and flood events.
This project marks the second BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch installed in Will County. The first launch, located at Lake Chaminwood Preserve, has become a popular destination for kayaking and fishing, offering safe, convenient, and free access to the water for paddlers of all abilities.
Austin Tyler Construction, the project's general contractor, selected BoardSafe Docks to design and fabricate the launch system as part of the park's ongoing improvements. Installation support was provided by Kevin Jones of Blue Water Docks from Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The new launch is fully accessible from the parking area via a paved pathway and is designed to provide a safer, easier paddling experience for everyone. Features include:
- Wheelchair-accessible boarding bench
- Step-down bench with pull-out seat
- Overhead grab bar
- Grab straps and pull bars
- Secure kayak cradle to help prevent tipping during entry and exit
Together, these accessibility features support paddlers of all ages and abilities, creating a more inclusive recreational experience while connecting more people to the water.
The City of Wilmington continues to demonstrate its commitment to investing in parks, outdoor recreation, and accessible infrastructure. By improving access to the river, the city is helping residents and visitors connect with nature, enjoy healthy outdoor activities, and experience firsthand how accessible waterfront recreation benefits everyone.
As Mayor Ben Dietz recently shared, projects like this reflect the community's vision for creating welcoming outdoor spaces to be enjoyed by all.
For more information about BoardSafe's accessible waterfront solutions, visit BoardSafeDocks.com or call 610-899-0286. Whether you're enhancing a park, waterfront, marina, or community recreation area, BoardSafe can help create a customized solution that expands safe access to the water. Safe accessibility benefits everyone!
#AccessYourAdventure #AccessiblePaddling #Kayaking #UniversalAccess #OutdoorRecreation
Visit the 2026 ASLA Southeast Regional Conference Today!
The 2026 ASLA Southeast Regional Conference is happening this weekend, May 29th through June 1st, at the Raleigh Convention Center in Downtown Raleigh, NC.
See Tom and Kelly of BoardSafeDocks and HivePaddlesports, and hear how we can design, engineer, and fabricate your waterfront infrastructure and help you #AccessYourAdventure on the water!
#UniversalAccess #AccessibleKayaking #FishingPiers #Gangways #PedestrianBridges #CourtesyBoatDocks