The ADA Kayak and Boat Launch consists of an accessible gangway, floating dock, and other ADA features that assist an adaptive rower or adaptive paddler to enter the cockpit of a kayak, canoe, or other watercraft.
What is ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. It also mandates the establishment of TDD/telephone relay services. The current text of the ADA includes changes made by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-325), which became effective on January 1, 2009. The ADA was originally enacted in public law format and later rearranged and published in the United States Code.
ADA Features on the ADA kayak boat launch:
- ADA-compliant 1:12 slope aluminum gangway that is adjacent the composite decking boat slide. This design allows for individuals to ease their kayak down the slide while they travel along the gangway.
- The floating dock and gangway have a 36″ continuous handrail along the perimeter, consistent with ADA features.
- Aluminum floating dock with boat access. The floating docks are engineered for maximum flotation stabilization considering the size, number, and placement of plastic encapsulated floats. The marine conditions and water movement (tidal waters, rivers, lake ice, etc.) are also considered.
- On the floating dock, there is a loading bench that is 16″ high. A group of para-kayakers determined this to be the ideal height to facilitate transfer over from a wheelchair. On the loading bench, there are four levels with a 4″ rise.
- Athletes can use the handrail that runs the length of the bench to guide themselves along the bench to the boat. On the last transition, there is a pullout seat that extends out and across the top of the boat. Users can simply slide across the pullout seat, locate themselves directly across the kayak seat, and guide themselves into the boat.
- Surrounding the kayak is the roll cage. It is a frame of handrails and hand straps offering the individual numerous gripping options for lowering into the boat.
- Supporting the boat in the water is a partially-submerged bracket system to stabilize the kayak.
To see an adaptive rowing kayak boat launch case feature, click here.
BoardSafe manufactures modular products for rowing centers to build and customize an adaptive rowing center specific to their needs. Each adaptive rowing project is specifically designed with the rowers in mind. Because each project, use, and ecological environment is unique, BoardSafe uses the most sustainable materials and installation practices to minimize the habitat impact and duration of installation. We encourage you to call BoardSafe to discuss your project at 610-899-0286.