BoardSafe Celebrates Decision Day with Co-op Student
On Decision Day 2026, BoardSafeDocks proudly celebrates our co-op draftsman, Andrew Gramp, a senior from Boyertown Area School District and Berks Career and Technology Center (BCTC), as he takes the next step in his educational journey.
Andrew has chosen to continue his studies at Reading Area Community College while remaining part of the BoardSafeDocks team, an exciting opportunity that allows him to continue building real-world experience in drafting, design, and engineering.
Congratulations, Andrew! We are incredibly proud of your decision to further your education while continuing your career path with BoardSafeDocks. Over the course of your co-op experience, you have grown into a valuable member of our drafting and design team through your dedication, collaboration, creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills.
At BoardSafeDocks, we believe in creating meaningful opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience that connects classroom learning to real-world careers. As an industry leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of accessible waterfront infrastructure, our team develops products that help communities across the country create inclusive access to the outdoors. From accessible fishing piers and adaptive kayak launches to floating boat docks, gangways, pedestrian bridges, and collegiate rowing centers, our products are proudly manufactured in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and installed nationwide, proving outdoor recreation is for everyone!
During his time with BoardSafe, Andrew experienced every phase of project development, from drafting, design, and engineering, to fabrication through installation. These experiences helped reinforce his passion for design and his desire to continue building a career in the growing outdoor recreation industry.
According to the report released by the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation contributed $1.3 trillion in economic output to the U.S. economy and supported more than 5.2 million jobs in 2024. We are proud that Andrew has discovered a career pathway that connects him to meaningful work that positively impacts parks, waterways, and communities across the country.
BoardSafeDocks values the importance of preparing students for successful futures through hands-on workforce experiences. We are grateful for the strong partnerships between Boyertown Area School District, Berks Career and Technology Center, and Reading Area Community College, and for sending such outstanding students our way!
#CareerEducation #WorkforceDevelopment #OutdoorIndustry #RealWorldExperience #DraftingAndDesign #BoardSafeDocks
BoardSafeDocks Wishes Our Family, Friends, & Customers a Blessed Christmas!
As the year draws to a close, we had the pleasure of gathering at our Pennsylvania manufacturing plant for a festive holiday luncheon and a heartfelt "Thank you!” to some of our team members in person.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication and expertise of our team, whose contributions in sales, design, engineering, and manufacturing help make our floating dock systems the industry standard for quality and innovation.
During this season of celebration, we want to extend our sincerest thanks to our employees, industry partners, and customers for the opportunity to work together. We are honored by the trust our customers place in us and the unwavering commitment our employees bring to delivering accessible, high-quality designs that have earned us recognition as the nation’s leader in water access solutions.
At BoardSafe, we value the relationships we’ve built and appreciate the time, conversations, and collaborations with those who help us make universal access a reality for communities across the country. Your support makes our work meaningful, and for that, we are truly blessed.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous, safe, and peaceful holiday season!
#BoardSafeDocks #HivePaddleSports #AccessYourAdventure #ExperienceCounts #RelationshipsMatter #BlessedHolidaySeason
Find a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch Near You!
Many customers and paddlers ask about the locations of additional BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launches. BoardSafe has a live link on our website that gets updated as more accessible systems are installed across the country. To find a BoardSafe Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch near you, click on the live link or copy this link into your browser: BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch Locations.
Customers and accessibility advocates prefer BoardSafe Docks because of the trust we have developed and the reputation we have built as the industry leader in waterfront accessibility products. Our popular products include the Adaptive Kayak Launch, Accessible Fishing Pier, Floating Courtesy Dock, Pedestrian Bridge, and ADA Gangway, which make waterfronts accessible to all.
Users praise our accessible products because the design features were originally contributed to by a group of adaptive paddlers in wheelchairs. Collectively, they shared what features worked and what didn't work, identified features that needed further development, and offered their thoughts about missing components at other launches they had visited in their travels. We heard that their adaptive paddling group was growing, and their needs were becoming more diverse. Almost every paddler reported frustration about visiting locations that were deemed accessible, yet they still couldn't access the water. BoardSafe Docks listened to their needs and concerns, then designed, engineered, and manufactured an adaptive kayak launch suitable for paddlers in wheelchairs and people with mobility limitations. The inclusive launch gets almost everyone into the water.
While other dock manufacturers have attempted to copy our system, our proprietary extrusions make our products one-of-a-kind in engineering, design, and manufacturing. BoardSafe is known and appreciated for our excellent customer service and for working with our clients to provide individualized solutions for each launch location.
We are dedicated to designing products that are not just "ADA compliant" on paper, but truly functional and empowering for our users with diverse needs. Our original collaboration is the foundation we are built on with a solution-focused commitment that makes BoardSafe Docks stand out.
BoardSafe is inspired by hearing feedback from adaptive paddling groups that use our launches. Offering universal access to paddlers who were excluded in the past is precisely why BoardSafe Docks works hard to uphold our reputation as the premier provider of waterfront accessibility products. BoardSafe’s spirit of innovation and inclusion is a testament to listening to our paddlers and the communities who put their trust in us.
Here's to continued success in making waterfronts accessible to all! We hope you’ll consider trying out a BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch Location Near You and will allow us to work with you to transform your waterfront into a uniquely accessible location for kayaking, fishing, and boating opportunities in your community.
For more information or a free consultation, contact us at BoardSafeDocks.com or give us a call at 610-899-0286.
The World Canals Conference 2025, Buffalo, NY, September 21–25
The World Canals Conference 2025 is coming to Buffalo, NY, September 21-25 on the Erie Canal, and you should, too!
This conference will bring together the brightest minds working on inland waterways to share ideas and inspiration for the future of inland waterways.
Come see Tom Warchol of BoardSafe Docks in the Exhibit Hall and learn about us and the impact we have made in improving accessibility to the canal towns along the Erie Canal.
The kickoff of the World Canals Conference and the Erie Canal Bicentennial Summer Sendoff takes place on Sunday, 9/21, noon to 5 p.m. for free, family-friendly activities, live performances, carousel rides, Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief tours, special programs, and entertainment. buff.ly/q1YBPRG
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
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
We’re heading back to the NRPA Conference 2024. Are you?
The NRPA Conference is taking place October 8 - October 10 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. This event is the largest annual gathering of park and recreation professionals in one place, and an excellent opportunity to showcase, network, and learn about products and services in the field of recreation.
Come see BoardSafe Docks in the Exhibit Hall in Booth #2642!
BoardSafe’s kayak launch is designed for universal access and offers great stability with adaptive features. It improves the kayaking experience for paddlers of all abilities. The launch system is designed to accommodate both kayaks and canoes and is a perfect addition to parks, marinas, and waterfronts looking to improve accessibility.
For those looking to enhance their kayaking adventure with a safer, stable, and easy launch system, please stop by booth #2642. Scott and Dave from BoardSafe Docks would love to share information about BoardSafe’s product line and show you the features of an adaptive kayak launch. It’s not too late to register for the NRPA 2024 Annual Conference. We hope to see you there!
#NRPA2024 #WhereYouBelong #UniversalAccess #AccessibleSolutions
We're Counting Down Until #ASLA2024 in D.C.! Will you be there?
BoardSafe Docks is attending the ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture October 6th – 9th in Washington, DC.
The ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture is the largest annual gathering of landscape architecture and allied professionals, all coming together to learn, connect, share knowledge, gain inspiration, and bring value to their practice. The conference offers sessions, professional development, networking opportunities, and a world-class EXPO featuring over 275 vendors showcasing cutting-edge products and services.
Come see BoardSafe Docks in Booth #3757
BoardSafe’s kayak launch is designed for universal access and offers great stability with adaptive features. It improves the kayaking experience for paddlers of all abilities. The launch system is designed to accommodate both kayaks and canoes and is a perfect addition to parks, marinas, and waterfronts looking to improve accessibility.
For those looking to enhance their kayaking adventure with a safer, stable, and easy to launch system, please stop by booth #3757 in the exhibit hall. Tom Warchol and Kelly Beals from BoardSafe Docks would love to share information about BoardSafe’s product line and demonstrate the features of an adaptive kayak launch in person. It’s not too late to register at the ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture. We hope to connect with you there!
#ASLA2024 #BoardSafeDocks #UniversalAccess #AccessibleSolutions
BoardSafe Docks Had a Busy Summer Season!
While many of you were enjoying spring and summer paddling excursions, BoardSafe Docks was busy designing, engineering, and manufacturing more universal access kayak launches for all paddlers to enjoy.
BoardSafe’s kayak launch is designed for easy access, great stability, and adaptive features for those who need them. The launch is well-known for providing a seamless experience for paddlers of all abilities. BoardSafe’s launch system is designed to accommodate both kayaks and canoes and is a perfect addition to parks, marinas, and waterfronts where accessibility needs improvement. For those looking to enhance their kayaking adventure with a safer, stable, and easy launch system, try out a BoardSafe Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch near you!
We’ve updated our map in the link below to assist you with finding a BoardSafe Kayak Launch location near you. We always recommend checking in with park offices to determine the exact location of our universally designed system.
We apologize if one of our launch systems near you has been overlooked as we try to keep our map up-to-date. Please contact us through our website if you notice that a launch system near you is missing from our map. Happy Paddling!
BoardSafe Docks Adaptive Launch Map
PFBC Accepting Applications for Boating Facility Grant Program
BoardSafe Docks, innovators in the planning, design, manufacture, and installation of adaptive and accessible floating docks and launches, is spreading the word that the PA Fish and Boat Commission is offering grants for improving public boating facilities on our waterways.
Grants have enabled many Pennsylvania parks and other venues to invest in BoardSafe's unique docks and launches, providing recreational opportunities for all community members.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (September 5) – As a growing number of communities realize the positive social and economic impacts of having convenient boating access along their local waterways, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is excited to offer the next round of Boating Facility Grants to help communities capitalize on the surge in new boating activity.
The Boating Facility Grant program provides grants for planning, acquisition, development, expansion, and rehabilitation of public boating facilities located on the waters of the Commonwealth.
The PFBC encourages townships, boroughs, and municipal and county governments to apply. Nonprofit groups (501c3) including land trusts, conservancies, and watershed associations are also eligible to apply. Private businesses and service clubs are not eligible for direct funding but are encouraged to partner with their local county or municipality.
“Across Pennsylvania, momentum continues to grow around outdoor recreation as a whole, and the enthusiasm we’re seeing for recreational boating is incredible,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “Participation in paddlesports, especially kayaking, has surged, and many communities are eager to accommodate families and individuals by adding or improving safe and convenient public access to the water. Funds awarded through this grant program can help communities develop projects, particularly projects that are accessible for all, to improve existing access areas or develop something new to serve local residents and attract recreational boaters to their communities.”
Applicants can seek grants for site acquisition, development, expansion, prevention of the spread of aquatic invasive species, and rehabilitation of recreational boat access facilities. Eligible construction projects may include, boat ramps, courtesy floats, restrooms, access roads, parking areas and signs. Funds may also be used to enhance the facility’s ADA compliance or by adding adaptive elements to the access site. Applicants are encouraged to keep accessibility for all in mind when developing their applications.
Funding requests require a 50% match. For the 2025 round of grants, the PFBC will accept applications from anywhere in the Commonwealth.
The deadline for applications is November 30, 2024.
For more information about the Boating Facility Grant Program and application form, visit the PFBC’s website at fishandboat.com/Transact/Grants/Pages/BoatingFacilityGrantProgram.aspx.
BoardSafe prides itself on developing a trusting and respectful relationship with its clients throughout the design and manufacturing process. Their team understands their products’ impact on communities and has witnessed their product designs improve lifestyles for the adaptive and recreation-loving communities they serve. They are proud of the partnerships they develop with their customers and appreciate the opportunity to develop their customers’ visions and turn them into legacies of waterfront inclusivity for generations to come. For more information, contact us at 610-899-0286 or through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.