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Our kayak launch provides an easy way to add safe, accessible kayak entry & exit for paddlers of all abilities

This truly inclusive, adaptive small-craft launch system transforms how communities experience the outdoors.

Our Adaptive Kayak Launch is a fully ADA- compliant system enabling para athletes to independently and safely transfer directly into a kayak at the water’s edge.

In addition to our full adaptive kayak launch systems, we provide the Clip-A-Launch, an affordable clip-on / add-on solution that quickly attaches to any existing floating or rigid dock. This modular option bings the same high-quality accessibility features to locations where a complete new installation isn’t feasible, at a fraction of the cost.

DESIGNING YOUR KAYAK LAUNCH

ADAPTIVE KAYAK LAUNCH (Full System)The flagship product. A complete purpose-built system designed for paddlers of all abilities including wheelchair users and those with lower-body paralysis. Includes gangway, chute, floating dock, and adaptive boarding kit as a fully integrated system. Learn more in our blog.

ACCESSIBLE KAYAK LAUNCH (Standard Launch Without Full Adaptive Kit)The same structural system as the adaptive launch — gangway, chute, and floating dock — but without the full adaptive boarding kit. The adaptive kit components can be added later. Serves general paddlers and those with moderate mobility limitations. The adaptive boarding kit can be retrofitted to this system at any time.

CLIP-A-LAUNCH A bolt-on kayak launch that adds safe, stable kayak access to any existing floating dock without requiring a full system replacement. Does not include a gangway or new dock. Attaches to BoardSafe dock frames or third-party docks including wood.

LAUNCH-IN-A-BOX A complete pre-packaged adaptive kayak launch system that ships with everything needed for installation — including the precast concrete foundation blocks — reducing site prep time and cost. Designed for communities that want a fast, simple installation without pouring concrete on-site.

Every BoardSafe dock is built on the same modular aluminum extrusion system that runs across our entire product line. That means gangways, finger docks, and accessories all share the same frame geometry, connection hardware, and decking system — so components integrate cleanly, layouts can be reconfigured as a program grows, and replacements are straightforward without retooling the whole system.

All of our waterfront projects can be configured with adaptive buildouts, products and accessories providing ADA accessibility for all bodies and abilities.

ADAPTIVE ADD-ONS- Adaptive boarding kit (full kit: transition bench, roll cage, overhead grab bar, hand straps, pull-out cockpit seat)- Instructional signage with QR code- ADA-compliant gangway upgrade (compliant slope, dual handrail, toe kick)

STRUCTURAL & CONFIGURATION OPTIONS- Kayak chute with outrigger accommodation- SUP center void saddle (for stand-up paddleboards)- Canoe-width loading area configuration- Piano hinge connection between dock sections- Precast concrete foundation blocks (Launch-in-a-Box)- Skid rails for seasonal removal- Supplemental gangway flotation

GANGWAY OPTIONS- Handrail options: standard mesh panel, open picket, dual ADA-compliant with intermediate wheelchair-height rail- Decking options: Owens Corning Weardeck composite, perforated aluminum, fiberglass grating- Gate for access control- Mid-span landing and steps for long-span gangways

Consider our lineup of Adaptive Productsfor an accessible waterfront buildout.

Our Adaptive Kayak Launches are transforming waterfronts

Adaptive Kayak Launch Features

Adaptive Kayak Launch Layout Options

Your project parameters, our modular products,one custom waterfront system.

Our project-guided design approach sets us apart.

Every BoardSafe system begins with a planning process designed to ensure the right solution. Talk with us about your site and make the right decision for your project early.

The launch serves paddlers and anglers of all abilities on the French Broad River. It anchors a long-term vision for connected, accessible water recreation through East Tennessee that is still growing with new sites downriver. Seven Islands State Park Seven Islands State Birding Park serves as the starting point for a planned 20-mile inclusive paddle trail to Downtown Knoxville. Legacy Parks, Knox County, TWRA, TVA, and Tennessee State Parks partnered with us to install the first access point on this corridor. Learn more Scope: ADA-compliant adaptive kayak launch, floating dock, gangway, courtesy dock & fishing pier Brownsville River Wharf Riverside Wharf Park in Brownsville, Pennsylvania had been without accessible boat access for years. Brownsville Borough had a 10-year vision for inclusive waterfront access, and we fast-tracked the project to have the system installed in time for the borough's annual RiverFest on July 5, 2024. The adaptive launch and floating dock now give Brownsville residents of all abilities safe access to paddling, fishing, and boating. The project has drawn attention from neighboring river communities exploring similar investments. Learn more Scope: Adaptive kayak launch, accessible floating dock system, ADA-compliant gangway, courtesy boat access Fabulous Fox Water Trail Kane County contracted us to design and install five universal-access launch sites along the Fox River in Illinois as part of the Fabulous Fox! National Water Trail, a 158-mile paddling corridor designated by the National Park Service in 2023. Each site required individual site assessment along a river with varied bank conditions, currents, and access constraints across multiple municipalities. Together, the five sites give paddlers of all abilities reliable, quality infrastructure across one of the Midwest's most significant water trails. Learn more Scope: Five ADA-compliant floating dock and kayak launch systems, universal design at each site, site-specific engineering Each site required unique structural solutions to anchor the system in a natural river environment. The project directly supports Fishing Has No Boundaries, a local organization serving people with disabilities. Couderay River Launch & Boardwalk The Wisconsin DNR identified two sites along the Couderay River where paddle craft access had never existed. After a two-year collaboration, we engineered site-specific solutions for both Couderay and Radisson, creating the river's first put-in and take-out for paddlers of all abilities. Learn more Scope: 5' x 20' gangway, 8' x 16' floating dock, adaptive kayak launch with boarding kit, pull-out bench, overhead grab bars, kayak cradle SELECT A PROJECT BELOW TO VIEW → Brownsville River Wharf → Fabulous Fox River Trail → Couderay River Launch → Seven Islands State Park Featured Kayak Launch Projects

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How we make it adaptive

Adaptive add-ons for every site parameter and project

MEETING ADA STANDARDS WITH KEY ADAPTIVE FEATURES

ADA features include a compliant slope aluminum gangway as well as low-rise thresholds. The piers, floating docks, and gangways have a continuous perimeter handrail consistent with ADA requirements.

ADAPTIVE ADD-ONS

- Adaptive boarding kit (full kit: transition bench, roll cage, overhead grab bar, hand straps, pull-out cockpit seat, Instructional signage with QR code)

- ADA-compliant gangway upgrade (compliant slope, dual handrail, toe kick)

- Intermediate ADA-height grab bar at entry and exit points

Kayak Launch

Project Library

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