New BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at Hellenberg Park, Monroe MI
The City of Monroe is proud to announce the opening of a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at Hellenberg Park, giving paddlers of all ages and abilities a safer, easier way to access the River Raisin.
Located at 1313 E. Front Street, Hellenberg Park is already a favorite destination for boating, fishing, and outdoor play. In addition to the new accessible launch, the park features a large parking area for small watercraft, a basketball court, green space for volleyball and other land sports, and plentiful fishing opportunities from the shore and on the water.
City crews completed the installation of the new launch and the foundation connecting the launch to the land. The accessible launch was designed with adaptive features to make kayaking accessible for everyone, from first-time paddlers to those with mobility challenges. The system provides a stable, supportive kayak cradle that allows users to enter and exit their kayaks with confidence.
Key features of the launch at Hellenberg Park include:
- 36-foot aluminum gangway/chute with safety toe kick.
- 8' x 16' floating dock with composite decking.
- Clip-A-Launch 16S system with adaptive bench, pullout seat, and overhead grab bar with hand straps.
- plastic-encapsulated floats for long-term stability.
- instructional sign and guy wire cable system for added safety.
The City of Monroe, founded in 1785, has always been a community shaped by its waterways. Once a natural crossroads for the Potawatomi Tribe, French missionaries, fur traders, and early settlers, the city continues to welcome visitors with its rich history and natural beauty. Just a short distance from the River Raisin National Battlefield Park, Hellenberg Park’s new adaptive launch adds another way to connect with the river and the community’s outdoor heritage.
With the new addition of a BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch, Monroe reaffirms its commitment to accessibility, recreation, and preserving the River Raisin as a place for all to enjoy.
City crew members were able to install the required foundation and install the launch that offers paddlers and kayak fishermen access to the River Raisin. The launch with adaptive features offers paddlers of all abilities a new perspective on the water.
BoardSafe Docks brings a tangible and lasting value to communities. Here are the key areas of impact:
Accessibility & Inclusion
A BoardSafe system provides safe water access for people of all ages and abilities, including those with mobility challenges, seniors, veterans, and beginners. Our systems transform paddling into a truly inclusive recreational activity. Our universal design standards ensure equal participation for everyone.
Health & Wellness
- BoardSafe systems encourage outdoor recreation, exercise, and stress relief through paddling.
- Expanding opportunities for adaptive sports and therapeutic programs.
- Strengthening mental health by connecting people with nature and water.
Community Engagement
- Creates a gathering place where families, friends, and community groups can participate together.
- Supports local nonprofits, adaptive paddling organizations, and youth programs.
- Builds civic pride by demonstrating a community’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
Economic Impact
- Attracts tourism by drawing paddlers, adaptive athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Boosts nearby businesses (restaurants, shops, outfitters, lodging) with increased visitor traffic.
- Enhances the appeal of parks and waterfronts, raising property and community value.
Environmental Stewardship
- Encourages people to experience rivers, lakes, and waterfronts firsthand, building appreciation for natural resources.
- Promotes sustainable recreation with low environmental impact.
Cultural & Historical Connection
- Strengthens community ties to local waterways, which are often tied to history, culture, and identity.
- Offers residents and visitors a new way to explore heritage sites from the water.
Contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 for information on making your water access entry points more accessible to all.
BoardSafe Docks a Winner of the 2025 INNOVATEAble Showcase!
BoardSafe Docks is thrilled to be recognized as a winner of the 2025 INNOVATEAble Showcase, held in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act!
BoardSafe’s Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch was selected as one of the top solutions advancing accessibility in the travel and tourism industry. We were excited to present our winning pitch at the TravelAbility Showcase in July 2025 in preparation for TravelAbility’s Summit this October in Sunriver, Oregon. BoardSafe Docks is proud to continue driving change through innovation alongside other participants in the showcase.
Each participant provided a 3-minute video pitch about their product and was interviewed by the judges during a 7-minute question-and-answer session to discuss the features of our kayak launch and share the impact of our accessible system, as well as how it enhances the paddling experience for people with disabilities.
Lori Limpar, Content Marketing Manager for BoardSafe Docks, represented BoardSafe in the showcase.
The participants in Pitchfest 2025 included:
- ADAPTS A lightweight transfer sling for safer mobility in tight or inaccessible spaces.
- BoardSafe Docks Accessible kayak launches and floating docks that expand waterfront access with features that offer universal access to all.
- Koda AI-powered live captioning that works on any device, no app required.
- Lotus A smart ring that controls devices with a simple point—no Wi-Fi or rewiring needed.
- RightHear Audible wayfinding for blind and low vision travelers navigating indoor and outdoor spaces.
- ScanMeHome A QR-code ID system that helps quickly reunite loved ones who may wander.
- Touch2See 3D Tablets that let blind sports fans follow the action in real time.
The judges praised the caliber of entries and noted just how tough the competition was this year. With so many standout innovations, choosing winners wasn’t easy.
Thank you to the judges, Nick Nerbonne, Chris Maher, Autumn Saxton-Ross, and Kristine McConnell!
More information about the Summit is available at this link: TravelAbility Summit.
Participants attending the Summit will elevate their experience at the leading conference on Accessible Travel!
#INNOVATEAble #TravelAbilitySummit #AccessibleInnovation #ADA35 #DisabilityInclusion
BoardSafe Docks Sponsors the 2025 SOBA Training Symposium
BoardSafe Docks is proud to be the Platinum Sponsor of the States Organization for Boating Access Education and Training Symposium happening now in Providence, RI.
As an experienced aluminum boat dock manufacturer, BoardSafe designs floating commercial docks, gangways, adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, pedestrian bridges, and other custom dock components to customer specifications. BoardSafe takes great pride in manufacturing environmentally friendly, safe, and low-maintenance boat docks and dock components that retain their strong structural integrity and fully comply with ADA regulations when required. All BoardSafe products are manufactured in the USA.
Management has over 30 years of high-end construction experience, and their expertise and attention to detail have made BoardSafe a trusted aluminum dock provider for high-profile marinas, water trails, rowing centers, and water access projects.
BoardSafe strives to be environmentally friendly in all our operations. Our materials are selected for their durability and sustainability. We design systems that do not hinder the surrounding ecosystem of plant and animal life. Our quick and quality installation process reduces the on-site presence of heavy equipment, and we do it right the first time.
Tom Warchol, who leads Business Development at BoardSafe Docks, will be a featured speaker at this year’s symposium. Growing up in the Adirondack region of New York State, Tom spent a considerable amount of his youth kayaking and canoeing the rivers and lakes of the area and developed a desire to work in an industry that promoted marine and wilderness access. He graduated from Clarkson University with a degree in mechanical engineering and has spent his professional career designing and developing large infrastructure projects. These projects include nationwide telecommunication networks, global work for the United Nations, and marine infrastructure throughout the US. Being a partner at BoardSafe Docks allows him to work with incredible customers who share the same passions for adventure and improving marine access for all looking to get out on the water and connect with nature.
Learn more about us at the BoardSafe Docks website: boardsafedocks.com.
BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at Reelfoot Lake State Park, TN
Reelfoot Lake State Park in Tipton, Tennessee, recently installed a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak launch at Kirby Pocket. This new addition improves accessibility for all visitors, especially those with disabilities or limited mobility, allowing everyone to enjoy kayaking on the lake.
For those interested in visiting the park, its GPS Coordinates are: 36.363, - 89.4327, and the Park Office / Visitor Center (731-253-9652) is located at 2595 Hwy 21 E, Tiptonville, TN 38079.
Reelfoot Lake State Park, located in the northwest corner of Tennessee, is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Their website tells its history, describing how the 15,000-acre lake was created by a series of violent earthquakes between 1811–1812, which caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards for a short period of time, creating the lake.
The park’s ecosystem is unlike any other place in Tennessee. Reelfoot Lake is a flooded forest. While Majestic Cypress trees rise above the water, below the surface are many submerged Cypress stumps. A variety of aquatic plants and flowers occupy the shoreline and are found along the shallow water. The lake harbors almost every kind of shore and wading bird, as well as golden and American bald eagles.
A BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch added to this location will complement the green space and offer significant benefits by enhancing accessibility and safety for all paddlers, including those with disabilities or in wheelchairs. A BoardSafe system promotes inclusivity, community engagement, and can even boost local economies through increased tourism. Everyone will be afforded the opportunity to connect with nature and the beauty and uniqueness of the park.
The benefits of a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch are known to provide paddlers of all abilities:
Enhanced Accessibility
BoardSafe launches are designed with adaptive features like gangways, chutes, and tiered benches, making it easier for individuals with mobility impairments, including those in wheelchairs, to enter and exit kayaks.
Improved Safety
Features like non-slip surfaces, overhead grab bars, grab straps, pull bars, and stable platforms reduce the risk of falls and accidents, creating a safer environment for all users.
Increased Confidence
The design of the launch system provides a sense of security and stability, holding the kayak steady in the chute, allowing paddlers to focus on enjoying their experience rather than worrying about tipping when getting in and out of the kayak.
Greater Independence
Adaptive features empower individuals with disabilities to participate more fully in kayaking, fostering a sense of independence and freedom.
When learning about the launch, kayaker Sherrye Clark, offered her thanks to those who thought of it and the ones who built it. “You’ve brought potential joy to some people who are otherwise excluded.”
Lori Stephens Skelton remarked, “I just watched the instructional video, that is just too cool!”
Benefits of working with BoardSafe Docks
BoardSafe is the trusted leader in accessible waterfront recreation products and services. We are known for our customer service and the ability to customize waterfront systems to meet the specific needs of a community, and for being able to offer different dock configurations and layouts, gangway lengths, and adaptive features.
The durable aluminum framing and extrusions and composite decking ensure that the launch system is weather-resistant and low-maintenance.
While the cost of an adaptive launch can vary depending on the size of the floating dock, the length of the gangway, its features, and customization, the long-term benefits for the community often outweigh the initial investment.
This project highlights some of the ongoing efforts of Tennessee State Parks to partner with design experts like BoardSafe Docks to enhance accessibility and remove barriers to access across their parks.
Tennessee State Parks are known for their unspoiled beauty, preserved historic sites, and breathtaking scenery for kayaking, fishing, and boating. Finding and eliminating barriers is their goal while creating an outdoors that is for everyone and ensuring that everyone can connect with nature and with the water. BoardSafe Docks is an established, trusted expert who has designed, engineered, manufactured, and installed recreational water access systems throughout the state of Tennessee and across the country.
For more information about this project or others, please contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com or give us a call at 610-899-0826.
Pickwick TN Adds BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch to Park Amenities
BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, PA, is helping to connect anglers, and now kayakers, to Bill Dance Signature Lakes throughout Tennessee State Parks.
Those who love to fish in Tennessee waters are seeing significant improvements to their lakes, thanks to the Bill Dance Signature Lakes initiative. Legendary fisherman Bill Dance is the inspiration behind the Signature Lakes program. For over five decades, the bass fishing superstar has taught generations how to fish. Dance, who is the most recognized bass angler of all time. became famous not only for fishing, but for his TV shows: Bill Dance Outdoors and Bill Dance Saltwater. Dance’s Signature Lakes initiative is a collaborative effort of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee State Parks, and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Their goal is to improve and enhance Tennessee Lakes, increase visitation, and honor Dance’s legacy.
In 2023, BoardSafe Docks improved fishing and boating access to Pickwick Dam by designing, engineering, and manufacturing improvements to the lakes’ gangways, courtesy boat docks, and accessible fishing piers. BoardSafe’s system and fishing piers attract local anglers and are a well-known and popular launch location for many professional bass tournaments, like the Bassmaster Elite Series and the Collegiate Bass Championship.
View the project video here: Floating Dock System at Pickwick Dam in Tennessee.
As of June 2025, recreational kayakers can enjoy the same top-notch experience. The recent addition of a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch is another welcome amenity and another big draw for the park. People love to kayak, and the new launch will offer an additional form of water recreation to its visitors.
We’re often asked, “Who can use the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch?”
BoardSafe’s adaptive launch is designed and manufactured with specific features that make it safer and easier for paddlers in wheelchairs to access their kayaking vessel. The aluminum-welded frame, side-by-side gangway and chute, roll cage with overhead grab bar, optional hand straps, and slide-down seat with a pull-out bench provide universal access, so everyone benefits.
However, one of the best testaments to BoardSafe’s launching system is the ability to launch your kayak and keep your feet dry, with no fear of tipping your vessel. The secure cradle keeps the kayak steady until it enters the water.
While the features have been designed and engineered with adaptive paddlers in mind, the launch offers access solutions that make it easier for everyone and can be used by anyone who wants to get out and paddle on the water. The launch connects paddlers to nature and offers a unique blend of adventure, activity, and a deeper connection to the environment and the many joys that kayaking brings.
About BoardSafe Docks
BoardSafe Docks is the trusted designer, engineer, and manufacturer of aluminum floating courtesy docks, adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, gangways, and pedestrian bridges. The sales team at BoardSafe Docks is always available for questions and consultation. They will assist you with finding your optimal waterfront solution by talking through your challenges and recommending a customized solution for your waterfront. Our systems provide individualized and custom solutions, ensuring the best possible user experience and a long-lasting system for our customers. They’re not just selling you a commodity, and their expertise, knowledge, and success in the industry are a step above the rest.
Here are project profiles that make BoardSafe Docks unique:
BoardSafe Creates Paddle Access to Chattahoochee River, GA
Tulsa’s Adaptive Kayak Launch: A Model of Accessibility & Innovation
BoardSafe’s innovative, floating designs enable the creation of new access sites and the updating and improvement of existing access sites. We work closely with landscape architects, engineers, and project planning teams to find the best solution for unique access points. For additional information, visit our website at BoardSafeDocks.com or give the sales and design team a call at 1-610-899-0286 to assist you with your design solution. #AccessYourAdventure
Hendersonville TN Celebrates Major Upgrade to Sanders Ferry Park Boat Ramp
Hendersonville Parks and Recreation recently celebrated the grand reopening of the Sanders Ferry Boat Ramp on the shores of Old Hickory Lake. This revitalized launch site now features three new BoardSafe Floating Boat Docks, improved gangways, and a fully renovated boat ramp, marking a significant investment in recreational access for boaters, kayakers, and anglers alike.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together many political dignitaries, residents, and representatives from key state agencies, including the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), Tennessee State Parks, the Department of Tourist Development, and the City of Hendersonville. Many speakers highlighted the importance of this project for the broader Tennessee community.
This redevelopment is part of the Bill Dance Signature Lakes initiative, an ambitious statewide effort to enhance fishing and water recreation across Tennessee. The project was funded by TWRA and is designed to improve both the quality and accessibility of outdoor recreation spaces.
BoardSafe Docks, the designer and manufacturer behind the new infrastructure, plays a crucial role in delivering high-performance floating dock systems, gangways, kayak launches, and fishing piers for TWRA and TN State Parks. Known for their high-quality, durable products and commitment to accessibility, BoardSafe’s contribution ensures that these facilities can be safely and easily used by people of all ages and abilities.
Andy Gilley, Director of Hendersonville Parks and Recreation, called the renovation a “complete transformation.”
“The new docks are much longer and extend farther into the lake,” Gilley explained. “BoardSafe’s tournament-level docks will bring fishing tournaments to the city, including the high school state championships and professional fishing events. Everybody wins with the quality systems that have been installed.”
State Representative William Slater praised the project for balancing environmental stewardship with community enrichment:
“Tennessee gets conservation right,” Slater said. “Not only do we protect the environment, but we also strive to improve the quality of life for our citizens.”
Recreational use of Sanders Ferry Park continues to grow. According to the Hendersonville Parks and Recreation Department, more than 135,000 people visited the park in the past year, making it one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the region.
The Bill Dance Signature Lakes program represents a collaboration among TWRA, Tennessee State Parks, and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Together, they aim to make Tennessee the heart of sport fishing while boosting tourism and economic activity across the state.
BoardSafe Docks is honored to be part of the initiative and act as designer, engineer, and manufacturer of the gangways, floating courtesy boat docks, fishing piers, and kayak launches affiliated with this initiative across the state.
Legendary angler Bill Dance, who inspired the Signature Lakes initiative, emphasized the importance of creating a premier fishing experience with these projects:
“We’ve got to do these improvements with passion and quality, and that’s exactly what BoardSafe’s designs will bring to our waters,” Dance said.
Read more about the Sanders Ferry updates here:
Boat ramp upgraded on Old Hickory Lake – WKRN News 2
New Boat Ramp Opens in Hendersonville’s Sanders Ferry Park – Main Street Media
BoardSafe Docks is an industry leader in designing, engineering, and manufacturing aluminum marine access systems. With a focus on innovation, BoardSafe is known for our expertise, innovative problem-solving, and collaboration with clients to create customized solutions. Our high-quality products, which include adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, floating dock systems, gangways, and pedestrian bridges, are built to withstand challenging environmental conditions.
BoardSafe is committed to accessibility and will guide our customers to create systems that offer universal access and provide accommodations for a wide range of user abilities.
Contact us at BoardSafeDocks and allow us to assist you with improving water access points at your lake, river, or community, or give us a call at 610-899-0286 for your free consultation. #AccessYourAdventure
Ribbon Cutting: BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launches in Tennessee
David Tihansky of BoardSafe Docks recently attended ribbon-cutting ceremonies at Seven Islands State Birding Park and Cruze Landing, Tennessee.
Both locations on the French Broad River, Seven Islands in Kodak and Cruze in Knoxville, celebrated the recent installation of BoardSafe Docks' Adaptive Kayak Launches. The Seven Islands installation includes the adaptive kayak and canoe launch, floating dock, and gangway. The Cruze Landing installation features the adaptive kayak launch, courtesy dock, and adaptive fishing pier. The goal of each project is to provide access to the French Broad River and surrounding natural features for people of all abilities.
Matt, a media representative for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, said, "This exceeds my expectations." Matt had never seen a BoardSafe Dock adaptive system, and said he never knows what to expect when arriving at a dock.
One of the excited boaters exclaimed, "This dock is incredible!"
Several fishermen "practically live" on the new system at Cruze Landing, one of whom asked, "Are you putting more of these in Tennessee, and where will they be?" They shared pictures of the fish they've caught and love the ability to fish from the dock.
The docks have been used as staging sites for wedding and graduation photos, proving that the whole community is using BoardSafe systems, and not just for their intended purpose of making watersports more accessible!
We at BoardSafe Docks share David's enthusiasm as he sums up our sentiments: "Exciting!"
Read more about the Seven Islands State Birding Park and Cruze Landing adaptive kayak systems.
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BoardSafe Docks offers safe, stable, and stylish universal access to the water. Paddlers appreciate their benefits and ease of use. Communities appreciate the launch’s ability to bring differently-abled paddlers together to enjoy a group paddle on the lake, provide improved access to the water, and connect paddlers with nature.
To learn how BoardSafe can assist you with creating or improving access to your lake, river, or water trail, contact us at BoardSafeDocks.com or give us a call at 610-899-0286.
BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at Lone Star Lake Park, Kansas
Construction of a new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch is complete at Douglas County’s scenic Lone Star Lake Park. This launch is one of several enhancements their Public Works Department is implementing as part of the Open Space Plan initiative.
Funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act allocations, these upgrades aim to make Lone Star Lake Park more accessible and enjoyable for all visitors.
Public Works anticipates unveiling the new accessible kayak launch this summer, offering an improved experience for paddlers of all abilities. Pictures of the new launch shared by Douglas County, Kansas Government can be viewed below.
The new launch is designed for paddlers of all abilities, including those with lower-body physical disabilities and mobility limitations. The launch features an ADA-compliant gangway for wheelchair access, a stable and secure kayak chute, and a floating dock with an adaptive boarding kit that offers features for paddlers who require additional aids and supports to enter and exit their vessel. These features, designed with input from adaptive paddlers, ensure safe and easy entry and exit of kayaking vessels.
The project also includes accessible picnic tables and kayak racks for added accessible conveniences at the park. These additions further contribute to the park's accessibility, encouraging visitors to spend more time enjoying the lake and its surroundings.
BoardSafe Docks says the new launch offers "enhanced freedom, dignity, and participation in water sports for individuals with mobility challenges and limitations. It connects paddlers to the water, and it’s an inclusive activity, making it easier for novice paddlers and those with physical limitations.”
Scope of Work Summary
- 32-ft. gangway and kayak chute
- (1) 8x16 floating dock
- (1) kayak launch with adaptive boarding kit
- bulkhead mounting kit to attach to the customer’s concrete foundation
- the customer supplied the concrete foundation.
The recent installation marks a significant milestone in creating a more inclusive and accessible recreational space for the Douglas County community. The BoardSafe launch at Lone Star Lake Park serves as more than just a physical structure. It acts as a catalyst for community building and social interaction by:
- bringing people together. The accessible design encourages individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities to share in the joy of kayaking and lake activities. The universal access launch brings families, friends, and individuals together to enjoy paddling on the water, regardless of physical limitations.
- connecting people to nature. By making kayaking more accessible, the launch facilitates a deeper connection with the natural environment. People can experience the beauty of Lone Star Lake firsthand, observe wildlife, and enjoy the tranquility of the water.
- encouraging good stewardship. As more people engage with the lake, there's an increased sense of responsibility for its well-being. Users become more aware of the need to protect and preserve natural resources, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship within the community.
The ribbon-cutting for the new accessible kayak launch this summer is highly anticipated, promising an improved experience for all visitors and further strengthening the bond between the Lone Star Lake Park community and its natural environment.
BoardSafe Docks offers safe, stable, and stylish universal access to the water. Paddlers appreciate their benefits and ease of use. Communities appreciate the launch’s ability to bring differently-abled paddlers together to enjoy a group paddle on the lake, provide improved access to the water, and connect paddlers with nature.
To learn how BoardSafe can assist you with creating or improving access to your lake, river, or water trail, contact us at BoardSafeDocks.com or give us a call at 610-899-0286.
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.
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