Adaptive vs. Accessible Kayak Launches The popularity of kayaking and other paddle sports has increased over the last several years. Adaptive athletes hold the same desire to be on the water with their able-bodied friends and family members. However, accessibility challenges continue to exist for those with physical…
Many states, cities, and other government and nonprofit entities, are promoting safe water accessibility products for adaptive athletes and individuals living with a handicap. These include a range of products, like adaptive and accessible kayak launches, ADA fishing piers and floating docks, aluminum floating rowing docks, and more.…
Boating, paddling, and kayaking, have exploded in popularity as people of all ages and abilities seek new and exciting outdoor activities. Many community groups and government officials have taken notice of this trend and seek to open safe water access for all abilities — young and old, able-bodied…
BoardSafe's custom-designed and installed adaptive kayak launches make it easier for the adaptive athlete to enter and exit a kayak and enjoy the freedom of this popular water sport. Now, BoardSafe has pioneered a concept that makes the installation process easier for the user and the user's community:…
Below are images of the installation of a BoardSafe aluminum kayak launch in Sandpoint, Idaho, followed by a brief video demonstration. This particular launch is used for single-fin stand-up paddleboards. Stand-up paddleboarding is a rapidly-growing sport around the country, and BoardSafe engineers, builds, and installs launches and storage…
After years of designing, manufacturing, and installing floating aluminum docks and other marina products, BoardSafe developed a unique product to meet the needs of unique clients: the add-on kayak launch we call Clip-A-Launch. “Many of our clients have tight spaces that they need to operate within or limitations…
“Just because a product is marketed as ‘accessible’ doesn’t mean that we can actually use it" — Michael White, avid outdoorsman and paddler who lived with spina bifida. BoardSafe’s uniquely-accessible kayak launches maximize the number of users in a community who can use the launch by making them…
In the fall of 2015, BoardSafe Docks installed a new ADA fishing pier and adaptive / ADA kayak launch at Leaser Lake in Kempton, PA. The floating docks and applications were designed and constructed by BoardSafe Docks, completing an ADA and adaptive park area that already included paved nature trails and ADA picnic tables.
On Sunday, May 22, 2016, a group of 12 adaptive paddlers and 30 volunteers, including 6 ACC instructors, enjoyed their first adaptive paddling event.
The Leaser Lake Heritage Foundation coordinated the parking, food, and programming, while Team River Runner handled the adaptive boating program. This was the first event of its kind since the unveiling and trial run on the adaptive kayak boat launch in November. Paddlers were taught water safety, the proper way to enter and exit a boat, and the basics of paddling.