You Need to Know This Before Purchasing an Adaptive Kayak Launch
It’s admirable when a community or organization recognizes the need to install an accessible kayak launch with adaptive features. However, there are many questions that need to be answered before the project can move forward. Funds for these types of projects are often hard to come by, so it’s critical to make sure your launch system meets the needs of everyone in your community who wishes to use it.
Kayaking has increased in popularity over the last several years, especially since the onset of COVID. Kayaking allows paddlers to enjoy the great outdoors and be together in a group while maintaining social and safe distancing. Adaptive athletes desire to be on the water with their able-bodied friends and family members. Kayaking has proved beneficial for an adaptive athlete’s physical and mental wellbeing and makes them feel included. It offers a sense of freedom they may not experience on land or in their wheelchair. The same challenges that exist for them on land also exist for them when trying to get into their kayak and out onto the water. A BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch with specific adaptive features offers park systems and communities the opportunity to shape the future of outdoor spaces, lifestyles, and quality of life for an adaptive paddler — and not just check off an “ADA Accessible” box.
A kayak launch is a big investment in your town, your lake, and your park system. This investment in your community should be inclusive of ALL paddlers. Over the years, the feedback we’ve received from adaptive paddlers is that there's nothing more disheartening than to travel to a site that promotes its facilities as “accessible,” yet is only accessible for some of the users and not inclusive of everyone who wishes to use the launch system.
While it’s encouraging to see so many leaders across many industries in the private and public sectors strive to create a more inclusive society, it’s paramount that the accessible products they select benefit the greatest number of users possible.
BoardSafe Docks is here for our customers and available to address the many different aspects of your project. We excel in finding solutions for your water entry challenges.
To ensure your launch system is truly accessible, we’ll work with you to design the specific adaptive features necessary for your launch. Our launches are not one-size-fits-all (which limits who can truly access the launch) but customized to fit your waterway.
BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch Custom Features
- BoardSafe Docks will guide you with the length of your gangway to ensure it’s ADA compliant and no greater than a 1/12 pitch.
- We’ll help you decide if a kayak chute is necessary.
- The adaptive features of our adaptive kayak launch that are necessary for an adaptive paddler to enter and exit their vessel and the water are:
- gangway, chute and saddle launch that are customized to fit your point of entry into the water
- a protective toe kick that prohibits the wheelchair from accidentally sliding into the water
- a tiered boarding bench with pullout seat
- roll cage with overhead grab bar and optional hand straps
- pull bars located on both sides of the kayak saddle
- Construction using one or multiple floating dock sections
- BoardSafeDocks will assist you to find the best location for your adaptive kayak launch, whether it's on a lake, river, or waterway affected by tidal fluctuations and changing weather conditions.
- BoardSafe Docks can also evaluate an existing mounting location, such as a wooden pier or concrete foundation, and provide guidance if there’s no current infrastructure in place.
Over the years, BoardSafe has developed expertise in building adaptive kayak launches because it seeks the input of adaptive paddlers. From Day One, BoardSafe has engaged a focus group of spinal cord rehabilitation members, a local nonprofit for independent living, amputee groups, and other outdoor adaptive athletes. BoardSafe includes ideas and feedback from other adaptive paddler groups in order to improve the kayak launch product to meet all needs in the disability community. BoardSafe recommends that all prospects and clients desiring to offer an adaptive kayak launch in their community engage with local adaptive recreation groups and solicit their input to create the most equitable application for all.
Everyone should be aware that obtaining permits and approvals is usually necessary prior to installing a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch. These may involve local, state, and federal (ACOE- Army Corps of Engineers) agencies.
BoardSafe Docks is the trusted designer, engineer, and manufacturer of aluminum floating docks, as well as the premier designer and manufacturer of rowing centers for top national rowing teams. Their sales team is always available for questions, consultation, and to assist you in finding your optimal waterfront solution.
Learn more about our projects at our website, BoardSafeDocks.com, or by calling us at 610-899-0286.
BoardSafe Understands the Difference Between Adaptive and Accessible
Adaptive vs. Accessible Kayak Launches
The popularity of kayaking and other paddle sports has increased over the last several years.
Adaptive athletes hold the same desire to be on the water with their able-bodied friends and family members. However, accessibility challenges continue to exist for those with physical disabilities when trying to get into their kayak and out onto the water. Kayaking has proved to be beneficial to the adaptive athlete’s physical and mental wellbeing, allowing them to feel included and offering a sense of freedom they may not experience on land and in their wheelchairs. Shouldn’t we all do more to ensure the kayak launch being considered is going to serve those with the greatest need for accommodations?
BoardSafe Docks designs, engineers, and manufactures floating dock systems and holds a longstanding presence in assisting customers to access their waterfront both safely and easily. Understanding the difference between an accessible launch system and an adaptive launch system comes up frequently in discussions when assisting customers with identifying a kayak launch that will provide the greatest amount of accessibility for paddlers with the greatest need for assistance.
In 2015, the Lehigh Valley Chapter of Team River Runner, an adaptive paddling group, and the Kempton Lion’s Club, sought out BoardSafe Docks for their dock-building expertise. Specifically, they were interested in an adaptive kayak launch that would work for paddlers in wheelchairs. Team River Runner is a national organization with over 75 chapters in 34 states. Their mission is to provide all veterans and their families an opportunity to find health, healing, community purpose, and new challenges, through adventure and adaptive paddle sports. As Team River Runner’s local chapter membership grew, so did the varied needs of their adaptive paddlers. A partnership was formed with BoardSafe Docks and they worked with the adaptive paddlers to identify specific adaptive features that would work to get them in and out of their vessel and onto the water for a safer and more successful paddling experience.
Team BoardSafe and Team River Runner collaborating on the first adaptive kayak launch
More often than not, the adaptive paddlers reported that they couldn’t get into the water to kayak, even when the launch was described as "accessible." Together, they identified the problems that existed with accessible launches they had tried but had not worked. Too often, launches that were described as accessible only worked for the able-bodied paddler. They talked about what was missing and identified solutions that would help them gain access to the water safely and independently. BoardSafe’s team has been fortunate to work side by side with Team River Runner’s adaptive paddlers to identify features that truly work and identify features that have kept them excluded.
Ken Ryno, an adaptive paddler with Team River Runner’s Lehigh Valley Chapter, is classified as a C5-C6 Incomplete Quadriplegic. Ken is paralyzed from the chest down and has use of only his upper body and arm strength. Over the years, Ken has become a very active chapter leader and has taken on the role of spokesperson for BoardSafe Docks. Ken’s mission is to help educate communities about specific adaptive features that should be considered when designing an adaptive dock system.
A kayak launch is a big investment, whether it’s in your town, lake, or park system. The investment you’re building and buying should be inclusive of ALL paddlers. Adaptive paddlers have expressed their dismay in traveling to sites that promote themselves as accessible when, in reality, they’re only accessible for some of the users and not inclusive of all.
Accessible launches get paddlers to the water. Accessible launches are found to be great for able-bodied kayakers, beginners, and seniors, and people with minor limitations like joint issues, arthritis, and developmental delays. Accessible launches may even work for a small number of paddlers with moderate disabilities. However, for adaptive paddlers like Ken Ryno, Team River Runner chapters, disabled veteran groups, and wounded warrior groups, an accessible launch alone does not meet their needs or get them into the water safely and easily.
When considering an adaptive launch, input from local adaptive paddling groups should always be considered. What types of disabilities is the launch going to serve? Adaptive paddlers are able to identify launch features that will work for them and also identify features that will create additional challenges. As we continue to educate ourselves about the needs of the adaptive paddling community, we have the responsibility to ensure that future kayak launches will be usable by the disabled paddler, or as Ken Ryno refers to himself and those like him, the “differently-abled” paddler.
Here is a video of Ken Ryno using an adaptive kayak launch independently.
To help you better understand the specific adaptive features that allow Ken to access the water independently, they are illustrated below:
A means of egress must exist that allows for wheelchair travel from the parking lot to the kayak launch site.
The gangway offers an adaptive paddler a way of moving their kayak from the land to the launch area and vice versa. The gangway should have nothing greater than a 1/12 pitch (meeting ADA slope requirements and features) and a chute where the vessel is placed in alignment with the gangway and launch saddle.
The chute and launch saddle should be large enough to accommodate kayaks with outriggers. However, they shouldn’t be too wide or they will create too large a distance between the boarding bench and the cockpit of the vessel. If the saddle is too wide, it will decrease the stability needed for a disabled paddler to get into and out of their vessel.
A toe kick is an added safety feature around the perimeter of the floating dock. This will prohibit a wheelchair from accidentally rolling off the dock into the water.
A tiered boarding bench allows the user to easily transfer from the wheelchair. The top step of the bench must be equal to the height of a wheelchair in order for the user to transition from the wheelchair to the top of the bench. The steps should be minimal in height (approx. 3”) to allow the paddler a small shift from step to lower step.
The bench should be equipped with a pull-out seat that slides out over the kayak and directly above the vessel’s cockpit. This will allow the adaptive paddler to slide down into the vessel with a safe but limited drop, and shimmy himself or herself into their kayak.
The roll cage provides support with an overhead grab bar as well as optional hand straps. Adaptive paddlers have varied upper-body strength and varied preferences as they enter and exit their vessels. Some paddlers prefer the grab bar while others prefer the hand straps. Notice that there are no obstructions along either side of the step-down bench, allowing the paddler to choose the side they prefer and are most comfortable with as they navigate themselves down the bench.
The pull bars on either side of the launch are at an elevation and distance from the paddlers that are comfortable and easy to use, allowing the paddler to pull himself or herself down the chute and into the water.
This particular kayak launch not only contains all the adaptive features necessary for an adaptive paddler — this chute is designed and equipped to accept a single, center rudder that allows users to launch a standard Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP).
The most commonly-overlooked adaptive features
Kayak Chute
Too often, we see accessible launches that force the disabled paddler to drag their kayak behind them down the gangway. This is a challenge for those with mobility issues.
Kayak Launch Area
Too often, we find the launch area is sloped and includes rollers. When a kayak, canoe, or SUP is placed into the launch, gravity will dictate. If a kayak is not level in the chute, it will roll into the water and will not remain securely in place for the disabled paddler to board or disembark from their vessel. Rollers can actually make this condition worse because they prevent the vessel from sitting securely and remaining in place.
The launch area is too wide — in some cases, nearly 6-feet wide. This is nearly 2-feet wider than what is needed. The wider loading area makes it more difficult for a paddler to make their way from the step-down bench in order to transfer into their vessel.
Pull-Out Bench
The length of the step-down areas is too narrow, not wide enough to comfortably sit on.
There is no pull-out seat, meaning there is no way to get from the bottom of the step-down bench to the vessel. The drop is often too great of a distance for a disabled person to lower themselves safely into the kayak.
Overhead Grab Bar
The bar is not centered over the middle of the bench and is more of a handrail design that limits the user to boarding the bench from only one side.
There are no hand straps over the cockpit area to provide lifting assistance for the adaptive paddler.
Toe Kick
There must be a safety toe kick around the perimeter of the floating dock as a safety feature for all wheelchairs on the dock. This will prohibit a wheelchair from accidentally rolling off the dock into the water.
There are no published guidelines for adaptive kayak launches, only various products manufactured by a handful of dock companies that make the claim that their product provides the required adaptive features. Everyone wants to believe their system will work for the able-bodied and differently-abled paddlers, but there are often shortcomings due to a lack of standards.
At BoardSafe Docks, we have developed ongoing relationships with Team River Runner chapters, disabled veterans groups, and rehabilitation centers, and are always seeking feedback and reflections on the usability of the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak launch and our adaptive fishing pier.
By definition, "accessible" can be defined as "physically within reach; however, it’s the specific additional adaptive features that will make a kayak launch system usable for disabled paddlers. The adaptive features are what allow them to get in and out of their vessel independently and safely.
Many accessible launch systems may look good to us visually and can be aesthetically pleasing; however, too often their features haven’t been developed to the extent necessary to truly work for the adaptive paddler.
Working with adaptive paddling groups has been a continuing educational experience for the team at BoardSafe Docks. Understanding the difference between an accessible launch and an adaptive launch is imperative for everyone considering an adaptive launch system. An accessible launch is not synonymous with an adaptive launch. BoardSafe Docks continues to work within the adaptive community of paddlers to ensure their launch remains the premier adaptive kayak launch. Their mission remains to continue to provide the best, safest, and most accessible launch for paddlers using their docks.
Watch the video below to see how the Lion’s Club, Team River Runner, and BoardSafe Docks partnered for a successful adaptive kayak launch that now benefits their whole paddling community!
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commits to Universal Access
The NYS Canalway Water Trail with Universal Access offers paddlers a wealth of places to visit and sights to see. You'll navigate century-old locks, pass stunning stone aqueducts used to carry boats over rivers and streams in the 1800s; paddle alongside tugboats and cruisers; and experience narrow flatwater stretches and wider river segments. For a constructed waterway, the canal is surprisingly serene and natural. You can expect to see a diversity of birds and wildlife, unique geology, and varying terrain.
Rochester Accessible Adventures, under the leadership of Anita O'Brien, M.A., a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, is on a mission to improve the health and wellness of people with disabilities by guiding communities to create a culture of physical accessibility, social inclusion, and equitable open access in recreation, sports and tourism.
Rochester Accessible Adventures and Erie Canal Boat Company have led the charge for adaptive paddling.
Hot off the press! In response to a dramatic increase in canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards on the NYS Canal System, Erie Canalway has recently published the New York State Canal System Hand-Launch Facility Design Guide. The free guide shares best practices for communities and organizations looking to install hand-launch facilities for paddlers on the NYS Canal System. It is a tremendous resource for inclusion and making the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor a world-class paddling destination! We at BoardSafe are privileged to work with Erie Canalway on this endeavor and we are honored to be featured on the cover. It is available for free download at eriecanalway.org/watertrail.
You can view the guide here: NYS Canal System Hand-Launch Facility Design Guide (PDF).
BoardSafe Adaptive Fishing Dock & Kayak Launch—McNeely Lake Park, Louisville, KY
McNeely Lake Park, Louisville, Kentucky, one of the largest in the Metro Parks system, features a scenic 46-acre fishing lake with an accessible pier and boat ramp that are owned by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Korean War Memorial is also in the park.
BoardSafe Docks recently installed an adaptive fishing dock and kayak launch to make this popular lake accessible to all.
[metaslider id="7371"]
What Length Gangway Provides Handicap Access for an ADA Floating Dock, Fishing Pier, or Adaptive Kayak Launch?
Many states, cities, and other government and nonprofit entities, are promoting safe water accessibility products for adaptive athletes and individuals living with a handicap. These include a range of products, like adaptive and accessible kayak launches, ADA fishing piers and floating docks, aluminum floating rowing docks, and more. As this new industry grows in popularity, there is much uncertainty about how to design and engineer products that truly accommodate all ages and abilities. BoardSafe has become the trusted expert to engineer, design, and manufacture accessibility products for those who are serious about ADA access for their community.
We often get asked, “What length gangway do I need for my dock project?” There are many site conditions that need to be considered before this question can be answered.
One of the most important considerations is the vertical dimension from the top of the floating dock to the connection point on land. The connection point may be a concrete foundation or fixed wood pier. It is important that this dimension be determined when the water is deemed at its lowest recorded daily average. This water elevation is referred to as “mean low water” (MLW).
The slope requirement for the gangway is also an important consideration. You will need to find out what regulations you are required to follow, such as those regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If your project is for commercial or public use, this is something that needs to be considered. If so, you will most likely need a gangway that provides either a 1/12 (8.3%) or 1/20 (5.0%) slope. Again, this needs to be clarified by your local permitting authority. If your project is a residential application, there may be no slope requirements you need to follow. We have, however, determined that a slope of 2.75/12, or 22.9%, is the maximum slope that is comfortable to walk up or down.
Another consideration is water depth. We manufacture our gangways with flotation added to the bottom of the gangway. The reason we do this is to ensure the weight of the gangway does not put an additional point load on the dock. Quite simply, we don’t want to sink the dock because of the gangway’s weight. As a rule of thumb, we require a minimum water depth of 18 inches at the end of the gangway. This dimension may be larger for longer, more heavy gangways.
To help you determine what length gangway you will need, we’ve developed a drawing showing key dimensions and definitions. Gangway length will be based on your specific site dimensions and dock freeboard (the dimension from the top of the water to the top of the dock — please reference sketch below).
It is important to understand that BoardSafe Docks manufactures its gangways to be attached to our floating docks, not to sit on top of them.
For assistance in designing, engineering, and ordering an aluminum gangway for your project, please complete the contact form or call us at 610-899-0286.
How to Calculate ADA Gangway Length to Provide Handicap Access for an ADA Floating Dock, Fishing Pier, or Adaptive Kayak Launch
Boating, paddling, and kayaking, have exploded in popularity as people of all ages and abilities seek new and exciting outdoor activities. Many community groups and government officials have taken notice of this trend and seek to open safe water access for all abilities — young and old, able-bodied and adaptive athletes. Some of the most popular accessibility products include adaptive kayak launches and accessible fishing piers that include many features that are considered Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant. Included in this compliance is the slope of the gangway when the user moves from land, across the threshold, and onto the gangway that has a modest slope or pitch leading to the floating dock, pier, or boat launch. The slope requirement for the gangway is an important consideration.
The first step to compliance is to find out what regulations you may be required to follow, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If your project is for commercial or public use, this is something that needs to be considered. If so, you will most likely need a gangway that provides either a 1/12 (8.3%) or 1/20 (5.0%) slope. Again, this needs to be clarified by your local permitting authority. If your project is a residential application, there may be no slope requirements you need to follow. We have, however, determined that a slope of 2.75/12, or 22.9%, is the maximum slope that is comfortable to walk up or down. Even if your floating dock project is not subject to ADA requirements, following these requirements and features will ensure that the maximum number of users can safely use the dock or launch.
The second consideration regarding the gangway dimensions after the slope is identified is to calculate the length of the aluminum gangway. Understanding all site conditions is imperative, including the vertical dimension from the top of the floating dock to the connection point on land. The connection point may be a concrete foundation or fixed wood pier. It is important that this dimension be determined when the water is deemed at its lowest recorded daily average. This water elevation is referred to as “mean low water” (MLW).
Another consideration is water depth. BoardSafe manufactures our gangways with flotation added to the bottom of the gangway. The reason we do this is to ensure the weight of the gangway does not put an additional point load on the dock. Quite simply, we don’t want to sink the dock because of the gangway’s weight. As a rule of thumb, we require a minimum water depth of 18 inches at the end of the gangway. This dimension may be larger for longer, more heavy gangways.
Refer to the charts below to estimate the gangway length based on two factors: Dimension “C” and the slope required for your project.
Typical Gangway Layout
Please note: Dimension “C” is determined by subtracting your dock’s freeboard (dimension “B”) from your overall height (dimension “A”) as shown on the layout below.
It is important to understand that BoardSafe Docks manufactures its gangways to be attached to our floating docks, not to sit on top of them. If your gangway sits on top of your floating dock, the slope and length may be different from what is shown on our charts above.
To help you determine what length gangway you will need, we’ve developed a drawing showing key dimensions and definitions, as well as charts showing gangway lengths based on your specific site dimensions and dock freeboard (the dimension from the top of the water to the top of the dock — please reference sketch below).
Please do not hesitate to contact BoardSafe Docks if you need assistance sizing the gangway for your project. Use the contact form or call our office at 610-899-0286.
Ken Ryno, BoardSafe Spokesman, Returns to the Water
There are some people we can never forget, regardless of how long it’s been since we’ve seen them.
Due to ill health, BoardSafe spokesman and accessible sports advocate Ken Ryno has been away from the water for about 18 months. On September 13, 2021, Ken not only returned to kayaking — he had the privilege of cutting the ribbon at the dedication of a BoardSafe ADA-accessible kayak launch at Lake Minsi in Northampton County, PA.
The ribbon-cutting dedication motivated Ken to ramp up his therapy and other means to get back into the water. This is a milestone for both Ken and Lake Minsi. "A dock that was just recently installed that provides adaptive features for people that are disabled to be able to get from their wheelchair into a kayak and back out again," said Scott Tihansky, with Boardsafe Docks.
Here is a video of Ken's excursion on the waters of Lake Minsi:
BoardSafe's Launch-in-a-Box Makes Adaptive Kayak Launch Installation Easier
BoardSafe's custom-designed and installed adaptive kayak launches make it easier for the adaptive athlete to enter and exit a kayak and enjoy the freedom of this popular water sport.
Now, BoardSafe has pioneered a concept that makes the installation process easier for the user and the user's community: Launch-in-a-Box.
One of the essential elements of any installation is the concrete foundation that provides the anchoring for the gangway / floating dock system. In a typical foundation installation, the ground must be excavated, a concrete form installed, and then poured. A few days later, the forms are stripped and then backfilled. This process can take days to complete and cost between four and five thousand dollars.
With BoardSafe’s innovative Launch-in-a-Box, the foundation arrives at your job site along with the entire dock system. All you have to do is excavate, set the precast foundation, and backfill. This process can take less than an hour to complete. There is no need for the customer to install a conventional foundation, and in most applications, the bulkhead mounting angle comes attached to the precast foundation, another time-saving benefit. This foundation option can cost as little as $2,500, a savings of up to 50% over conventional construction methods.
The following video of an adaptive installation in Oneida, Wisconsin, displays the ADA features of the Launch-in-a-Box. You will see the bulkhead mounting kit attached to the concrete, the gangway with toe kick, the 8' x 16' floating dock with toe kick, kayak launch, boarding bench, pull-out seat, roll cage with overhead grab bar (unique to BoardSafe), hand straps, and instruction sign with QR code that accesses an instructional video.
A few questions to consider
What size precast foundation do I need? The size of your concrete foundation will be determined by a number of factors: the length of the gangway, the size of the floating dock, and the geographical area of the installation. These are the most important factors that need to be evaluated before a recommendation can be made. To ensure that you are supplied with the correct-size precast foundation, we recommend that you contact our sales engineers for a free evaluation of your site conditions, as well as the dock system. In some areas, the recommended size of the foundation may need to be verified by a structural engineer, as well as local permitting agencies.
What if the bulkhead mounting kit isn’t installed on the foundation before arriving at my job site? In some cases, the foundation system may arrive in multiple sections, meaning the bulkhead angle will have to be attached by you in the field after the foundation block(s) is set. To help you better understand the installation process of the angle kit, we’ve developed an installation video detailing the entire process. Please note: All of the hardware shown in the video is included as part of the kit. You will, however, have to provide all of the tools referenced.
BoardSafe Adds Unique Adaptive Launch on Ohio River, Manchester
The Village of Manchester, Ohio, on the Ohio River, has an existing floating wood dock that rises and falls with the river level. A wooden piling inserted through the dock "guides" the wooden dock during fluctuations.
The wooden dock provides protection from the force of the current because the BoardSafe ADA launch is downriver, blocked from the river flow and floating debris.
The old dock has a 20" freeboard, whereas the adaptive launch has a 16" freeboard. A lower freeboard means easier entry into the boat or kayak BoardSafe designed and installed a transitional ramp to go from the floating wooden pier to the floating adaptive dock and launch.
The new dock also features a bench rail, toe kick, handrails, and hand straps, and is suitable for stand-up paddleboard use.
View some photos of the installation below:
[metaslider id="6968"]