TVA and TWRA Celebrate BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at Chickamauga
Getting out on the water just became easier for more Chattanooga residents and visitors! New BoardSafe waterfront infrastructure near Chickamauga Dam expands paddling opportunities for people of all abilities in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) recently celebrated the opening of a new BoardSafe Docks accessible floating dock system and adaptive kayak launch near Chickamauga Dam in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Located off Kings Point Road, the new waterfront facility creates an important access point to Chickamauga Lake, helping individuals of all abilities enjoy paddling, boating, and outdoor recreation.
More than a new dock, the project represents a commitment to making Tennessee's waterways more welcoming and accessible to everyone.
Designed to Make Getting on the Water Easier
For many people, the biggest challenge to kayaking isn't paddling. It's getting safely into and out of the kayak.
Traditional docks and shoreline launches can create significant barriers for individuals who use wheelchairs, experience limited mobility, or need additional assistance transferring into a kayak.
BoardSafe's Adaptive Kayak Launch addresses these challenges with purpose-built features that help paddlers board, launch, and return with greater confidence and independence.
The new floating dock system includes an accessible aluminum gangway with protective handrails and toe kicks, and specialized adaptive boarding equipment.
Key features include:
- Wheelchair-Height Boarding Bench: Provides a more accessible transfer point for paddlers who use wheelchairs or need additional support.
- Step-Down Bench: Allows paddlers to transition gradually from the dock toward their kayak.
- Overhead Grab Bars and Straps: Offer additional handholds for balance, stability, and controlled movement.
- Pull-Out Bench: Accommodates paddlers who need a lower transition into their kayak with a pull out bench that slides out over the top of the kayak.
- Pull Bars: Assists paddlers in gliding from the launch cradle into open water.
- Kayak Cradle and Launching Chute: Help stabilize the kayak during boarding, launching, and returning to the dock.
Together, these features help remove some of the physical barriers that prevent people from enjoying paddle sports.
Accessibility isn't simply about reaching the waterfront. It's about being able to participate in the experience once you get there.
TVA: Improving Access Improves Quality of Life
The new installation supports TVA's commitment to environmental stewardship, economic development, and recreational opportunities throughout the Tennessee Valley.
Paul Pearman, TVA's senior manager of Environmental Resource Stewardship, emphasized the importance of making waterfront recreation available to more people:
"Part of TVA's mission is environmental stewardship and economic development, and this allows people to come here, enjoy this dock, enjoy their kayaks, and boats—especially those people who may not be able to use a regular dock. This BoardSafe Dock system is designed to allow people of all abilities to come and get on a kayak and paddle out on the water, which we think is important for just quality of life in this area."
The project also reflects the goals of Tennessee's Access 2030 initiative, which seeks to expand outdoor recreational opportunities and improve accessibility across the state.
By investing in accessible waterfront infrastructure, TVA and TWRA understand the value and the opportunities they are creating for individuals with disabilities, the need for mobility accommodations, veterans, older adults, new paddlers, families, and paddlers of varying physical abilities to experience Chickamauga Lake. By partnering with BoardSafe Docks, a waterfront expert, whose ability to evaluate site conditions and provide the infrastructure, helps turn accessibility goals into real recreational opportunities with impactful results.
For the Chattanooga community, the benefits extend beyond the dock itself. Improved access encourages outdoor recreation, supports inclusive programming, and allows more people to enjoy the natural resources that make the Tennessee Valley such a popular destination.
BoardSafe Docks Continues to Improve Waterfront Access at Chickamauga Lake
The new adaptive kayak launch is not BoardSafe's first project on Chickamauga Lake.
BoardSafe has also designed, engineered, and manufactured commercial waterfront infrastructure for Chester Frost Park in Hixson, Tennessee, another popular recreational destination on the lake.
That project includes an 80-foot aluminum gangway, two courtesy boat docks, and an accessible fishing pier designed to accommodate recreational visitors and high-volume waterfront activity.
This heavy duty, high-traffic infrastructure by has also supported Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour, providing dependable waterfront access for professional anglers and tournament operations.
These projects demonstrate how thoughtfully engineered waterfront infrastructure can serve a wide range of recreational needs, from an individual launching a kayak to professional fishing tournaments that attract competitors and spectators from across the country.
Read more: Bass Pro Tour Accesses Lake Chickamauga with BoardSafe Docks
Built for Accessibility. Engineered for Durability.
With more than 20 years of experience in commercial waterfront infrastructure, BoardSafe Docks designs and manufactures heavy-duty aluminum floating dock systems built for demanding public environments.
Unlike one-size-fits-all dock systems, BoardSafe engineers its infrastructure around each project's unique site conditions, environmental demands, accessibility goals, and anticipated use.
From adaptive kayak launches and accessible fishing piers to courtesy boat docks, aluminum gangways, and pedestrian bridges, BoardSafe focuses on delivering long-term value through durable construction, thoughtful design, and dependable performance.
The BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch installation demonstrates what happens when accessibility and sound engineering work together.
A well-designed waterfront doesn't just provide access to the water. It opens the door to new experiences, greater independence, and lasting community connections.
For TVA, TWRA, and the Chattanooga community, this new facility represents another meaningful step toward making Tennessee's waterways accessible to everyone.
Make Your Waterfront Accessible with BoardSafe Docks
Is your community looking to improve access to a lake, river, marina, or public recreation area?
BoardSafe Docks works with municipalities, park departments, conservation organizations, and waterfront managers to design and manufacture site specific engineered infrastructure built for high traffic, heavy use, and long-term performance.
Let's create waterfront access that works for everyone—and lasts for generations.
Website: www.BoardSafeDocks.com
Phone: 610-899-0286
#AccessYourAdventure #BoardSafeDocks #AdaptiveKayakLaunch #AccessibleRecreation #ChickamaugaLake #TVA #TWRA #WaterfrontInfrastructure #AdaptivePaddling
Jasper County, IA: Accessible Fishing Pier Opens Doors to Fishing
A community investment in accessibility brings families together, introduces young anglers to fishing, and creates lasting opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors.
In Jasper County, Iowa, a community-driven initiative is making a meaningful difference in how residents experience the outdoors. Thanks to the dedication of the Jasper Conservation Connection, a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing local parks and recreational opportunities, residents and visitors now have access to a new BoardSafe Docks Accessible Fishing Pier.
More than simply adding a new park amenity, this project represents an investment in accessibility, outdoor education, and community connection. By removing physical barriers to fishing, Jasper County is creating opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy one of America's favorite outdoor pastimes.
Bringing the Community Together, One Cast at a Time
The value of an accessible fishing pier became especially evident when Jasper County recently hosted a youth fishing event at the Outdoor Mentor Legacy Pond.
Approximately 150 participants gathered for a memorable day of fishing, family fun, and outdoor recreation. Young anglers cast their lines, reeled in fish, and experienced the excitement of fishing, including the thrill of catching several tagged fish.
For many children, events like these provide an introduction to fishing and help develop an appreciation for nature and outdoor recreation. They also offer opportunities for parents, grandparents, mentors, and volunteers to share their knowledge, teach new skills, and create lasting memories.
The new accessible fishing pier helped provide a welcoming setting for this community celebration.
When communities invest in accessible recreation, they create opportunities that extend far beyond the individuals who use the facilities. They bring people together, encourage participation, and help build stronger connections across generations.
Accessibility Creates Opportunities for Everyone
For individuals with mobility challenges, traditional fishing locations can present significant obstacles. Uneven shorelines, steep embankments, muddy surfaces, and unstable footing can make reaching the water difficult or even impossible.
An accessible fishing pier changes that experience.
BoardSafe Docks designs and manufactures accessible floating fishing piers that help communities remove these physical barriers and welcome more people to the waterfront.
A properly designed accessible fishing pier allows wheelchair users, individuals with limited mobility, older adults, and families with young children to approach the water on a more stable, accessible surface.
These improvements also benefit veterans with disabilities, individuals recovering from injuries, and anyone who needs additional support when navigating outdoor environments.
Accessibility is not simply about meeting a design requirement. It is about giving people the opportunity to participate, connect, and enjoy the same recreational experiences as their friends, families, and neighbors.
When a grandparent can accompany a grandchild to the water's edge, or a person who uses a wheelchair can participate in a community fishing event, the value of accessible infrastructure becomes personal.
Designed for Accessibility, Engineered for Long-Term Community Value
BoardSafe Docks specializes in designing and manufacturing commercial waterfront infrastructure that combines accessibility, structural durability, and long-term performance.
Its accessible fishing piers incorporate features that help improve safety, stability, and usability for people with a wide range of physical abilities.
Key design features include:
- Accessible Gangways: Engineered gangways connect the shoreline to the floating fishing platform, providing a more accessible route to the water. BoardSafe designs gangway lengths, slopes, and transitions around site conditions and applicable accessibility requirements.
- Welded Aluminum Construction: Durable aluminum frames provide structural strength for commercial waterfront environments while reducing maintenance demands.
- Accessible Handrails and Protective Panels: Configurable handrail systems, protective mesh panels, and toe kicks help improve safety for wheelchair users and other visitors.
- Floating Dock Systems: Floating platforms adjust to changing water levels, helping maintain access throughout varying water conditions. Properly designed gangway transitions accommodate this movement.
- Customizable Modular Designs: BoardSafe's aluminum dock systems allow communities to select configurations that address their waterfront conditions, recreational needs, and anticipated public use.
BoardSafe designs each system with the understanding that public waterfront infrastructure must withstand changing environmental conditions, frequent use, and the demands of long-term operation.
For municipalities, conservation organizations, and park departments, this approach helps protect their investment while supporting reliable recreational access for years to come.
Introducing the Next Generation to Fishing and Conservation
The benefits of Jasper County's accessible fishing pier extend beyond the structure itself.
Youth fishing programs introduce children to outdoor skills while encouraging patience, confidence, responsibility, and respect for the environment.
Through hands-on experiences, young anglers can learn about fish habitats, water quality, conservation practices, and the importance of protecting natural resources.
Accessible facilities also make it easier for organizations to plan inclusive fishing programs, educational activities, and community events that welcome participants with different physical abilities.
The Outdoor Mentor Legacy Pond event demonstrates how a well-designed recreational facility can support these experiences.
By bringing approximately 150 community members together, the event highlighted the power of outdoor recreation to strengthen relationships, promote healthy activities, and inspire the next generation of anglers.
A child's first fishing experience may last only a few hours, but the memories, skills, and appreciation for the outdoors can last a lifetime.
A Community Investment That Makes a Lasting Impact
Projects like the Jasper County accessible fishing pier demonstrate what communities can accomplish when local organizations, supporters, and residents share a common vision.
Through local fundraising and collaboration, Jasper Conservation Connection helped turn the goal of more inclusive fishing access into a valuable community resource.
The result is more than a fishing platform. It is a place where families can gather, young people can discover new interests, experienced anglers can share their knowledge, and individuals with mobility challenges can participate more fully in outdoor recreation.
Accessible waterfront infrastructure can also help parks expand programming, attract additional visitors, and strengthen the overall recreational value of public spaces.
Most importantly, these investments communicate a powerful message: Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the outdoors.
BoardSafe Docks is proud to provide waterfront infrastructure that helps communities like Jasper County make that vision a reality.
Make Your Waterfront More Accessible with BoardSafe Docks
Whether your community wants to introduce youth to fishing, expand adaptive recreation programs, or improve accessibility at an existing park, BoardSafe Docks can help you develop a waterfront solution designed for your site and the people who use it.
From accessible fishing piers and ADA-accessible gangways to adaptive kayak launches and floating dock systems, BoardSafe combines thoughtful design, engineering, and durable aluminum construction to create long-lasting public recreational infrastructure.
Because investing in accessibility means investing in people, community connections, and opportunities for generations to come.
Learn more about BoardSafe Docks' accessible fishing piers, gangways, and waterfront solutions.
Website: www.BoardSafeDocks.com
Phone: 610-899-0286
Are You Looking to Improve Boating Access at your Boat Launch?
BoardSafe’s Courtesy Floating Boat Docks offer convenience and safety to boaters looking to temporarily secure their vessel. If your boat launch requires a heavy-duty, high-traffic solution, BoardSafe's waterfront infrastructure includes an aluminum truss gangway connected to a marine-grade floating platform. Our connection to the shoreline includes an engineered bulkhead mounting angle that securely connects the system to shore, ensuring it will not get washed away in the first storm. When warranted, additional cables or a stiff arm may be engineered to provide additional structure and durability to the floating dock system.
Our sales and design experts will support you through our guided design process that includes a site evaluation, site-specific design and engineering for your shoreline, aluminum-welded fabrication, delivery and installation assistance.
BoardSafe Docks manufactures commercial waterfront infrastructure built for accessibility, engineered for the environment, and designed to provide lasting value on lakes, rivers and waterfront communities.
We often hear our products and customer service are unmatched by others in our industry. Give us a call to find out what solutions BoardSafe Docks can offer along your waterfront.
To start your project call us at 610-899-0286 or visit our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.
#AccessYourAdventure #AccessibleOutdoors #Gangways #WaterfrontInfrastructure #BoatingAccess #FloatingDocks
BoardSafe Creates High-Load, Heavy-Traffic, Waterfront Infrastructure at Ft. Loudoun State Park
BoardSafe designed and manufactured another high-load, heavy-traffic, storm-resilient waterfront infrastructure at Ft. Loudoun State Park in Vonore, Tennessee. The system includes an ADA 80-ft commercial gangway, an accessible kayak launch with adaptive features, and a courtesy boat dock that brings universal access to all looking to recreate on the water.
Location & Setting
The dedicated BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch is located at the boat dock within Fort Loudoun State Park in Vonore, Tennessee. Launching from this site provides paddlers with direct, safe access to Tellico Lake in their no-wake zone, and the scenic Island Loop Water Trail, a popular 5-mile paddling loop circling the park's island that features beautiful mountain views and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Inclusive & Accessible Design Features
Manufactured by BoardSafe Docks, this floating dock system offers ADA-featured infrastructure specifically engineered to provide safe water access for paddlers of all abilities, including wheelchair users, seniors, children, and individuals with lower-body paralysis or limited mobility. The universal access features include:
- 1:12 Sloped Gangway: Features a gentle, ADA-compliant slope equipped with continuous handrails and a built-in toe-kick safety edge for wheelchairs.
- Tiered Boarding Bench: Offers a wheelchair-height boarding bench with a specialized pull-out seat. This allows users to safely transfer themselves laterally over the kayak cockpit in a controlled manner.
- Overhead Roll Cage & Grab Bars: Provides a heavy-duty frame with varied overhead grab bar and hand straps that offer crucial upper-body leverage for entering and exiting the watercraft safely.
- Stabilizing Chute & Cradle: Includes a non-roller kayak saddle/chute that locks the vessel perfectly level and secure, completely preventing it from tipping or sliding during transfer.
- An 8x80-ft gangway and chute is secured to land at a poured-in-place concrete foundation. An 80-ft support arm offers additional security during storms, flooding or a change in water level.
- Three floating dock sections consist of one - 8 x 12 floating dock, and two - 12 x 20-ft floating dock sections, that serve as courtesy boat docks to local boaters and fisherman. The dock comes with a 16” freeboard for ease of use.
Lake Features:
Tellico Lake has 357 miles of shoreline and 15,560 acres of water. It offers a tranquil escape for those seeking a scenic and intimate experience in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.
Fort Loudoun Historic State Park, located just 37 miles south of Knoxville, offers a surprisingly fun and unique day for a family outing.
At this Tennessee State Park, you get to enjoy one of the most beautiful waterfront settings on the shores of East Tennessee’s Tellico Lake and explore a reconstructed 18th-century British fort.
Children love the opportunity to run through the re-created walls of an actual fort and learn a bit of history along the way. Kayak and SUP rentals are available in season from the park’s Visitor Center.
History of the Park
Fort Loudoun State Historic Park has a lot to discover. It’s part of an 853-acre historical site nestled on the shores of Tellico Lake. Visitors may step back in time and explore a meticulously reconstructed 18th-century British fort, offering a glimpse into the French and Indian War era. On land, park guests may hike scenic trails, enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views, and become part of living history through reenactments and interpretive programs.
Plan your visit: The park address is: Fort Loudoun State Historical Park, 338 Fort Loudoun Road, Vonore, TN 37885.
BoardSafe Docks has helped the state of Tennessee make major strides in accessibility to the water with its adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, courtesy boat docks, gangways and pedestrian bridges. We hope you’ll get out there and enjoy the access to Tennessee’s beautiful sites, its history and enjoy your time on the water.
Contact us for more information at 610-899-0286 or through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.
The Outdoor Navigator Reviews BoardSafe's Adaptive Kayak Launch at Lake Reba
BoardSafeDocks would like to give a special shoutout to The Outdoor Navigator for providing an independent, non-affiliated review of the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at Lake Reba in the City of Richmond, Madison County, Kentucky.
Inclusive Kayak Launch: Who Says You Can't?
In his YouTube video here > Inclusive Kayak Launch. Who Says You Can't?, the Outdoor Navigator introduces viewers to the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch and explores how its innovative design helps make kayaking more accessible for people of diverse abilities.
His review highlights the thoughtful features of the launch and its potential to remove barriers that can prevent people with disabilities or limited mobility from participating in paddlesports. He emphasizes the importance of creating outdoor recreation opportunities that are not simply accessible in name, but designed to help people actually get on the water and enjoy the experience.
We especially appreciate that The Outdoor Navigator conducted this review independently. He clearly states that he has no affiliation with BoardSafeDocks and that his purpose is to educate and inform others about accessible outdoor recreation options.
He encourages paddlers with disabilities, and anyone who has considered kayaking but struggled with access, to do their research and explore solutions that can help them navigate the waterfront and enjoy the outdoors.
That message aligns closely with what we believe at BoardSafeDocks: accessibility should create opportunity, not simply check a box.
Thank you to The Outdoor Navigator for shining a light on inclusive paddling and helping others discover what may be possible when the right access is available.
🌊 Who says you can't? Get out there and navigate outdoors!
Follow The Outdoor Navigator #LifeIsBetterWhenYouNavigateOutdoors on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for more outdoor adventures and inspiration.
For more information about our Accessible Kayak Launch and other accessible infrastructure, contact us at 610-899-0286 or at BoardSafeDocks.com
#BoardSafeDocks #AdaptiveKayakLaunch #AccessibleKayaking #AdaptivePaddling #InclusiveOutdoors #KayakingForEveryone #OutdoorAccessibility #AccessYourAdventure
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 Returns as Platinum Sponsor of SOBA Education & Training Symposium
The 2026 SOBA Education & Training Symposium is coming to Boise, Idaho, August 24–27, bringing together professionals from across the country who are dedicated to improving and expanding public access to our nation’s waterways.
Hosted by Idaho Fish and Game, the annual symposium is the largest gathering of professionals and affiliate organizations focused on boating access in the United States. The event brings together state boating officials, consultants, engineers, manufacturers, suppliers, publishers, and other industry professionals working to advance access to both motorized and non-motorized boating.
BoardSafe Docks: Supporting Access for All
Since 2022, BoardSafe Docks has proudly served as a Platinum Sponsor of the SOBA Education & Training Symposium, supporting the organization’s commitment to safe, innovative, and accessible boating opportunities.
At BoardSafe, we believe access to the water should be available to everyone. Our accessible kayak launches and waterfront access systems are designed to help communities create truly inclusive recreational opportunities for people of all abilities.
Our impact extends far beyond the launch itself. Inclusive waterfront infrastructure can strengthen communities, support tourism and outdoor recreation, and most importantly, give individuals who may have experienced barriers to water access the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors independently and confidently.
Meet BoardSafe at SOBA
BoardSafe Docks invites symposium attendees to connect with Tom Warchol, Managing Partner at BoardSafe Docks, who will speak about procurement options for the non-motorized boating industry and strategies for creating universal access to our waterways.
Tom will share insights into the importance of thoughtful procurement and the role manufacturers, engineers, and communities can play in making accessibility an integral part of waterfront development, not an afterthought.
Why Attend the SOBA Symposium?
The four-day SOBA Education & Training Symposium attracts nearly 200 professionals representing state boating programs, engineering firms, marine construction and manufacturing companies, specialty material suppliers, and other organizations involved in boating access.
The symposium provides an opportunity to:
- Learn about the latest boating access products, materials, designs, and construction techniques.
- Connect with state boating officials and industry professionals from across the country.
- Explore innovative approaches to motorized and non-motorized boating access.
- Share ideas and best practices for improving public access to waterways.
- Discover solutions that can enhance safety, accessibility, durability, and long-term value for communities.
For anyone involved in boating access, waterfront development, parks and recreation, engineering, or outdoor recreation, SOBA provides an invaluable opportunity to learn, network, and stay ahead of industry trends.
While You're in Boise, Visit Lucky Peak State Park
While attending the symposium, be sure to visit BoardSafe’s Accessible Kayak Launch at Lucky Peak State Park on the Boise River.
The new launch demonstrates how thoughtful design and accessible infrastructure can create more opportunities for paddlers of all abilities to get on the water. Read more here: BoardSafe Kayak Launch Expands Access at Lucky Peak State Park
We look forward to seeing our industry partners, colleagues, and friends in Boise!
2026 SOBA Education & Training Symposium
August 24–27, 2026
Riverside Hotel
2900 W. Chinden Blvd.
Garden City, ID 83714
For registration and event information, visit SOBA's official event page: https://www.sobaus.org/events/event
#SOBA2026 #BoatingAccess #AccessibleBoating #AdaptiveKayakLaunch #UniversalAccess #Accessibility #OutdoorRecreation #BoardSafeDocks #KayakLaunch #WaterAccess #Idaho
BoardSafe Kayak Launch Expands Access at Lucky Peak State Park
Visitors to Lucky Peak State Park near Boise now have a new way to experience the Boise River thanks to a recently completed accessible paddling launch designed and manufactured by BoardSafe Docks.
Officials with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation celebrated the completion of the project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Discovery Park, marking another milestone in Idaho's commitment to making outdoor recreation accessible to everyone. To ensure an even safer paddling experience, life jackets are available for anyone who needs to borrow one at the new launch site.
(Photo by Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun)
(Photo by Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun)Designed for paddlers of all abilities, the new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch is part of a larger riverbank restoration project that transformed the shoreline into a welcoming, universally accessible recreation area. Park improvements include accessible parking, paved pathways and ramps, the adaptive kayak and paddleboard launch, stepping stones leading to the river, and a sandy dog beach where four-legged companions can safely enjoy the water alongside their owners.
Located just minutes from downtown Boise, Lucky Peak State Park welcomes more than one million visitors each year. The calm waters of this stretch of the Boise River make it an ideal destination for first-time paddlers, adaptive recreation programs, families, and experienced kayakers alike.
Before the improvements, the riverbank featured a steep drop-off that created challenges for many visitors. Today, the redesigned shoreline provides a safer, more convenient launch point, allowing more people to enjoy the river with confidence and independence.
Learn more about the new access point here:
New Riverbank Restoration Improves Accessibility at Lucky Peak State Park
Building Accessible Waterfronts Across America
Every BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch represents more than a new piece of waterfront infrastructure; it creates new opportunities for recreation, wellness, and community connection.
Co-designed with adaptive paddlers from Team River Runner, the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch delivers true universal access through user-tested engineering. Instead of retrofitting generic parts, our manufacturing team collaborated directly with wheelchair users to eliminate structural barriers. The final system features include a 1:12 ADA maximum slope aluminum gangway, a 16-inch height, tiered boarding bench with pull-out seat, a roll cage with overhead grab bars, pull bars and grab straps, along with a launch cradle that holds the kayak stable during entering and exiting. These specialized features provide a stable, reliable transition from land into water, ensuring safety and independence for adaptive paddlers and paddlers of all ability levels.
Early Collaboration between Team River Runner Paddlers and BoardSafe
Early Collaboration between Team River Runner Paddlers and BoardSafeFrom state parks and municipal waterfronts to lakes, rivers, and nature preserves, BoardSafe Docks is helping communities across the United States remove barriers and provide universal access to the outdoors. Each installation reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of being on the water.
As more communities invest in inclusive recreation, BoardSafe continues to provide durable solutions that are thoughtfully engineered and stand the test of time.
To learn how an accessible kayak launch can transform your lake, river, or waterfront into a destination where everyone can launch their adventure, contact BoardSafe Docks through our website or give us a call at 610-899-0286.
#BoardSafeDocks #AccessiblePaddling #IdahoParksandRec #AccessibleRecreation #UniversalAccess #AccessYourAdventure
Norris Dam State Park Expands Water Access for All!
Norris Dam State Park is now more accessible than ever with the addition of two new waterfront access points at Norris Lake: a BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch, designed to make paddling possible for people of all abilities, and a BoardSafe Courtesy Boat Dock.
This collaborative project between the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Tennessee State Parks also included parking lot and drainage improvements, creating a safer and more welcoming experience for all visitors.
The new adaptive launch allows paddlers, including those who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility, the ability to transfer into their kayak with greater confidence and independence. By separating motorized boat traffic from paddle craft, the new courtesy dock also improves safety and enhances the overall boating experience.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, TVA representative Brian Ross, highlighted how the project expands public access while supporting the shared commitment of TVA and Tennessee State Parks to provide outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities and protect Tennessee’s natural resources for future generations.
Learn more about the project's ribbon-cutting ceremony here: New upgrades finished at Norris Lake access point in Campbell County
BoardSafe Docks is proud to have designed, engineered, and manufactured the accessible infrastructure, continuing our mission to remove barriers and create universal access to water.
For more than 20 years, BoardSafe Docks has partnered with parks, municipalities, and recreation agencies across the country to design and manufacture commercial waterfront infrastructure, including adaptive kayak launches, floating docks, marinas, gangways, fishing piers, rowing centers, and pedestrian bridges.
Ready to make your waterfront accessible for everyone? Give us a call 📞 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website 🌐 BoardSafeDocks.com.
#BoardSafeDocks #AccessYourAdventure #AdaptiveKayakLaunch #Accessibility #UniversalDesign #TennesseeStateParks #TVA #NorrisLake #OutdoorRecreation
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.