Skip to main content
Adaptive launch saddle

Adaptive Kayak and ADA Boat Launches Protect Your Boat

At BoardSafe Docks, we believe we have designed and built the best ADA adaptive boat launch available on the market. That’s not coming from us — it's coming from the adaptive kayakers and para-rowers. After all, they are the experts, and they are also the ones who designed it.Read more


adaptive kayaker launching

Adaptive Boat Launch, Piers, and Rowing Products

Adaptive Boat Launch, Piers, and Rowing Products

BoardSafe has developed a line of ADA-accessible products specifically for the adaptive athlete. These products include an adaptive kayak, canoe and boat launch, accessible piers, and floating docks with ADA features, as well as adaptive rowing docks for adaptive rowing (See links below). These products were developed in conjunction with adaptive athletes and conscientioulsy designed to meet their needs. Because adaptive rowers and paddlers had input on the products' proprietary designs, BoardSafe knows that their adaptive boat launches, fishing piers, and adaptive rowing docks, are the best-performing and highest-quality products on the market. All of our adaptive products are made with the same best practices, features, engineering, and quality measures used in all BoardSafe products. Each adaptive rowing product is specifically designed with the rowers in mind.

If you need an adaptive kayak launch, fising pier, or adaptive rowing dock, BoardSafe will customize your product by adapting their standard designs, engineering, and product sizes, to build a product that fits your needs. 

Follow these links to learn more about our adaptive products:

> Adaptive kayak, canoe, and boat launch

> Accessible fishing pier and floating dock

> Adaptive rowing dock

Need help with fundraising? Read our recommended best practices for fundraising for your accessible project.

 


Leaser_Lake

Leaser Lake, PA, Bridge Completes Walking Path Around Lake

As parks, marinas, rowing centers, and other outdoor facilities, add greater accessibility, Leaser Lake, in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, stands out as one destination that can be enjoyed by all. The park has completed an area that features accessible trails and a floating fishing dock. The county also unveiled an accessible kayak launch that includes an aluminum gangway, floating dock, boat ramp, and kayak access with ADA features.

The accessible floating dock and kayak launch were designed and manufactured by BoardSafe, who took several existing accessible kayak launch designs and added innovations based on feedback from wheelchair focus groups. The outcome was a new design that offers a convenient and safe way to transition from a wheelchair into a kayak. As one kayaker said, "It was awesome to transition independently, get in the kayak, and be free on the water."

New! Watch this updated video about the installation's durability:


 

 

 

 

 

Watch this brief video highlighting how the custom prefab bridge is positioned:

https://youtu.be/QbW9_ogt2Cs

The project highlights include an ADA accessible park, paved nature trail, ADA / adaptive fishing pierADA adaptive kayak boat launchand accessible picnic tables.

The completion of the footbridge comes just in time for Lehigh Valley residents to walk around the lake and enjoy the warm fall summer and vibrant foliage.

In September 2022, BoardSafe visited the site of several of its applications at Leaser Lake in PA. In 2015, an ADA fishing pier and adaptive kayak launch were installed. The following year an aluminum pedestrian bridge was installed. The ADA-accessible park also includes a paved nature trail and accessible picnic tables.

Upon site inspection by BoardSafe Docks, all of the applications appeared to be in excellent condition, structurally sound, and in proper function. BoardSafe Docks prides itself on manufacturing high-quality products and excellent craftsmanship. As this footage shows, the condition of the ADA fishing pier, adaptive kayak launch, and pedestrian bridge continue to perform to the high product standards desired by BoardSafe.

Since the construction of Leaser Lake in 1971, Pennsylvania residents have enjoyed activities at the lake: fishing, boating, and hiking. For the first time, visitors will be able to walk completely around the lake with the installation of a footbridge. The bridge, built of commercial grade aluminum and manufactured bBoardSafe, goes over the dam at the lake and connects the nature trail on both sides. Prior to the installation of the footbridge, there was no continuous walking trail around the 117-acre lake. The bridge is one of the last installations of a renovation project crafted by the Leaser Lake Heritage Foundation.

This 540-acre park is owned in part by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and in part by Lehigh County.


Disabled paddlers share input for accessible kayak launch

BoardSafe's First Adaptive Kayak Launch Is Dedicated 9-11-2015

On September 11, 2015, after installing the first BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, at Leaser Lake, Dan Smalley and Jason Strozyk from BoardSafe Docks met with a number of Disabled Paddlers and representatives from the Leaser Lake Heritage Foundation to discuss what adaptive features needed to be added to the launch. 

Located in the foreground are a cooler, two concrete blocks, and a cardboard box — This was the prototype for the first BoardSafe Boarding Bench with pullout seat. The bench was built and installed. The day before the dedication, the idea of installing the roll cage with straps and the overhead grab bar was proposed. Within 12 hours of the discussion, the items were manufactured and installed, literally a few hours before the ribbon cutting. This is a testament to the dedication and passion the BoardSafe Team has for the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch.

BoardSafe's original, custom-designed adaptive kayak launch, built with advice from adaptive kayakers.

flat rock park project

Commercial Aluminum Piers

Commercial Aluminum Piers

Our commercial aluminum piers can be built to your specificaitons or you can chose from one of our standard sizes. BoardSafe manufacturers commercial aluminum piers and bridges using heavy duty 100 Series Aluminum extrusion. BoardSafe uses the highest quality materials including marine grade 6160 aluminum, proprietary extruded aluminum frame, and synthetic lumber featuring Timberstrong hidden fastening system. The piers and bridges are designed for marine applications at lakes, marshes, rivers and other areas with water. BoardSafe designs and manufacturers products that meet construction requirements as well as special applications like ADA requirements and accessories for accessibility for all. 

flat rock park project     flat rock gangway

Watch the below video of the installation of a commercial aluminum bridge designed and manufactured by BoardSafe. The aluminum bridge is approximately 30 feet long and has ADA accessibility features. It extends over a dam at a lake and connects a walking path that circles the lake. 


ADA-Compliant Gangways

Commercial Aluminum Gangways 

BoardSafe offers an ADA-Compliant gangway selection in its heavy duty 100 Series Aluminum to meet the appropriate requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The heavy duty design includes a marine grade 6160 aluminum and proprietary extruded aluminum frame. Aluminum commercial gangways come in the below standards sizes. Each order receives a design analysis based on the use and environment of the installation for design considerations for features such as the bulkhead and roller hinges. 

Optional accessories: toe kick, transition plate, intermittent handrail, gate, and 42" high handrai

Commercial Aluminum Gangway Sizes:

40 Foot Lengths

    • 4' x 40'
    • 5' x 40'
    • 6' x 40'
    • 8' x 40' 

50 Foot Lengths

    • 4' x 50'
    • 5' x 50'
    • 6' x 50'
    • 8' x 50' 

60 Foot Lengths

    • 4' x 60'
    • 5' x 60'
    • 6' x 60'
    • 8' x 60' 

80 Foot Lengths

    • 4' x 80'
    • 5' x 80'
    • 6' x 80'
    • 8' x 80'

boardsafemanu

BoardSafe Floating Docks, Piers, Gangways, and Other Marina Products

boardsafemanu

Quality and Experience

Made in the USA and centrally-located in the Mid-Atlantic region, it's no wonder that marina owners, homeowners, conservationists, rowing clubs, and other associations, trust BoardSafe for their projects. Our collaborative and comprehensive approach with customers leads to projects they are highly satisfied with — done on time, within budget, and aligned with their goals.

Commitment to Innovation

BoardSafe takes great pride in manufacturing boat docks and boat dock components that are environmentally-friendly, safe, require minimal maintenance, retain their structural integrity, and offer ADA accessibility features.


Privacy Preference Center