|
Kayak Launch Dock News
NNY Native Launches Successful Startup
KAY-AKCESS: 'Mini boat slip'
KAY-AKCESS: 'Mini boat slip'
| By GABRIELLE HOVENDON TIMES INTERN THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2010
Susan E. Butler, a native of Adams Center, has partnered with Florida-based manufacturer Accudock to make Kay-aKcess launches, a type of floating dock that is stable enough for people with disabilities and limited mobility to use while entering and disembarking from kayaks. The Henderson Harbor summer resident, who described the dock as a "mini boat slip" with hand railings, said there is a widespread need for the product in the United States. "It's not just people who are handicapped, there's this whole aging population," she said. "People are finding it's the simpler things in life — the river, the lake, the creek, almost any body of water — but they're not able to access it." Ms. Butler came up with the idea for the dock after extensive spinal surgery made her unable to keep her balance on floating docks and thereby unable to enjoy her waterfront property in Cape Haze, FL, where she lives for seven months of the year. "At my home there is a seawall, and I was anywhere from four feet to eight feet from the water," she said. "I was there for seven years before I could access the water. There are lots of people who, if they had upper body mobility, would love to do this." Ms. Butler worked extensively with an independent contractor to design a custom-built dock for her property and, after being reintroduced to the water, began thinking on a larger scale. After considering starting her own business, she partnered with Accudock in Pompano Beach, Fla., to manufacture the custom-built docks. The watersport enthusiast said that she focused on kayaking in particular because of its relatively low cost and ease of operation for all ability levels. "I've just always been fascinated by the water, and I think it's so energizing," she said. "Kayaking's not expensive, and you go at your own pace. It's a pretty safe sport." Ms. Butler is working with Syracuse University and Arc of Onondaga and hopes to collaborate with the Army's Wounded Warriors units to increase the availability of the Kay-aKcess launch. She has sold the docks to individuals and yacht clubs around the country, including a recent sale to the Hudson River Boat & Yacht Club of Crompond. This summer, the Chassahowitzka (Fla.) National Wildlife Refuge placed bids to install her product on its waterways. "When I started this, I thought my customers would be baby boomers who lived on the water," Ms. Butler said. "The more I'm getting into this, the more it's become apparent that there really is a need for this. There's a huge demand through the park services to help get people into the water." One Kay-aKcess customer, Mary Toskas of Caroga Lake, had Ms. Butler's launch added to a pre-existing dock in July and hasn't looked back since. She and her friends have used the dock both to launch their kayaks and to maneuver them back onto dry ground after a trip around the lake. "It's wonderful," Mrs. Toskas said. "When I step on it from the wooden dock, it's like stepping onto a boat: It's very steady and stable." Mrs. Toskas, who said the water near her lakeside house is otherwise too deep for her to wade through to climb into a kayak, said the design has given her newfound independence. "It's brilliantly simple," she said. "I'm kayaking every day - I don't have to depend on my husband." For more information about Kay-aKcess docks, including product specifications, installation guidelines and price estimates call Ms. Butler at (941) 662-5935. Media Contact |
|
Kay-aKcess The Kayak launch that provides easy, stable access to the water! Getting into and out of a kayak at the dock can be tricky,.... at a seawall almost impossible. Kay-aKcess enables individuals who live on canals, have docks or seawalls - safe, easy access to the water. The optional handrail provides additional stability, security and eliminates the fear of falling. |
Media Contact
Susan Butler
PO Box 3092
Placida, FL 33946
941-662-5935
Susan@Kay-aKcess.com
ARCHIVE
Waterline News Article
Kay-aKcess Launches New Web Site
Kay-aKcess enables individuals who live on canals, have docks or seawalls safe, easy access to the water. Durable and affordable. Ask about nationwide and international shipping. Contact Us for more information.