Adaptive Sailing & Community Boating Center – Empowering Lives Through Water Sports
Shake-A-Leg Miami is a groundbreaking 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has worked in partnership with the City of Miami since 1990 to create South Florida’s premier community boating center. Serving 8,000 people annually (including 3,000 youth and people with disabilities), this universally accessible facility on Biscayne Bay offers adaptive sailing, kayaking, swimming, environmental education, and vocational programs using specially designed boats and a marine environment to improve health, education, and independence for people of all abilities.
Organization Overview & Mission
- Address: 2620 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, Miami, FL 33133
- Location: Coconut Grove waterfront, Biscayne Bay
- Phone: (305) 858-5550
- Website: www.shakealegmiami.org
- Tax ID (EIN): 65-0611917
- Founded: 1990
- Type: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Partnership: City of Miami (lease arrangement)
- Annual Participants: 8,000 people
- 3,000 youth and people with disabilities
- 5,000 general community participants
- Mission Statement: “To utilize the marine environment of Biscayne Bay to improve the health, education, and independence of children and adults with physical, developmental and economic challenges in an inclusive community setting.
- Vision: “Through the power of sailing and watersports, we intend to become the premier global community for people with disabilities, their families, and people of all ages and abilities to have fun, be inspired, develop friendships, and launch dreams.
Shake-A-Leg Miami – Coconut Grove
Table of Contents
The Need: Why Shake-A-Leg Matters
Addressing Critical Gaps in Accessibility
The Challenge
Children and adults with disabilities and their families need a place where they can:
- Recreate together in a fully inclusive environment
- Have fun alongside people of all abilities
- Learn and grow through shared experiences
- Build confidence and independence
The Statistics
- Children with disabilities have the same needs for leisure, friendship, and social participation as their non-disabled peers
- Are much less likely to actively partake in organized leisure activities
- Are less likely to engage with peers outside of school
- Are significantly less physically active
- Face increased risk for various health issues associated with sedentary lifestyle
Shake-A-Leg’s Solution
Creating an environment where people with disabilities desire leisure, friendship, and social participation in the same way their abled-bodied peers do – and making that happen through adaptive water sports, environmental education, and inclusive community building.
Comprehensive Facilities
State-of-the-Art Community Boating Center
Located on Miami’s beautiful Biscayne Bay, Shake-A-Leg’s facilities provide a welcoming, accessible environment for all participants, housed in a historic 1932 Coast Guard seaplane hangar.
Marine Facilities
- Marina with variety of adaptive boats
- Boatyard and boat repair area
- Specialized adaptive watercraft – Universally accessible designs
- Dock systems – Wide, stable, wheelchair-accessible
- Launch systems – Assistive equipment for boarding
- Safety equipment – Adaptive life jackets and gear
Building & Grounds
- Multipurpose classrooms with computers
- Multimedia lab – Educational technology
- Rooftop observation deck – Panoramic bay views
- Eco islands – Environmental education stations
- Covered outdoor areas – Shade and protection
- Accessible restrooms and showers
- Meeting and gathering spaces
Operational Schedule
- Programs seven days a week year-round
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate participants
- No barriers – Programs open to all abilities
Specially Designed Adaptive Fleet
Boats & Kayaks Engineered for Universal Access
Sailors with disabilities need specially designed boats and kayaks that augment sailors with increased stability, agility, and mobility aboard a vessel.
Adaptive Fleet (30+ Watercraft)
Sailboats (10 vessels)
- Sonar keelboats – Stable, accessible sailing yachts
- Martin 16 dinghies – Single-handed adaptive sailors
- Rhodes 19 boats – Crew sailing experiences
- Freedom Independence 20 – Hands-free sailing capability
- Various other adaptive sailboats – Range of sizes and abilities
Key Sailing Boat Features
- Sip-and-puff controls – For sailors without hand/arm function
- Joystick steering – Easier maneuvering
- Powered winches – Electric assistance for sail control
- Wide, stable hulls – Enhanced safety and confidence
- Transfer seats – Easy boarding from wheelchairs
- Harness systems – Secure positioning
- Adjustable seating – Custom positioning options
Kayaks (30 vessels)
- Creating Abilities adaptive kayaks – Recent addition (Woody Foundation grant)
- Stable, wide hulls – Enhanced balance
- High back support – Proper positioning
- Adjustable footrests – Custom fit
- Easy entry/exit – Transfer assistance
- Single and tandem – Solo or partnered paddling
Paddlesports Benefits
- Upper body strengthening – Excellent exercise
- Core stability – Balance improvement
- Low-impact cardio – Heart health
- Mental health – Stress reduction, confidence
- Social connection – Group activities
- Environmental appreciation – Nature immersion
Safety Support Vessels
- Safety boats with professional staff
- Always on-water during programs
- Quick response capability
- Professional water safety protocols
Fleet Maintenance
- On-site boatyard – Repairs and modifications
- Custom adaptations – Meet individual needs
- Regular maintenance – Safety-first approach
- Continuous improvements – Based on participant feedback
Comprehensive Programs
Year-Round Activities for All Ages & Abilities
Programs operate seven days a week, year-round, providing opportunities for students, youth, adults, veterans, groups, and families – with or without disabilities.
Youth & Families Programs
Adult & Veterans Programs
Community Engagement Programs
The Impossible Dream Partnership
Benefits to Participants – Improving Lives
Measurable Positive Outcomes
Academic Improvements
- 70% of general participants improved reading skills
- 79% of students with disabilities improved reading skills
- 65% of general participants improved math skills
- 76% of students with disabilities improved math skills
Physical & Mental Health
- Independence – Accomplish tasks independently
- Confidence – Believe in abilities
- Fitness – Improve physical health through water sports
- Self-esteem – Feel valued and capable
- Social skills – Interact effectively with others
- Friendships – Develop lasting connections
Life Skills
- Teamwork – Work collaboratively
- Communication – Express needs and ideas
- Problem-solving – Navigate challenges
- Leadership – Take initiative
- Environmental awareness – Understand ecosystems
Participant Testimonials
- “I like Shake-A-Leg because I get to make new friends and I get to play in the water.” – Youth participant
- “I love Shake A Leg because you’re constantly outside, I love that we get to enjoy the beauty of Biscayne Bay through fun water activities rather than just lounging in a classroom or even worse staying at home. Also, I’ve made a lot of connections with the kids they’re all so sweet and I love learning with and from them.” – Mentor
Get Involved
Multiple Ways to Support the Mission
Participate in Programs
- Sign up for activities – Youth, family, adult, veteran programs
- Try adaptive sailing – Experience accessible water sports
- Join social programs – Connect with community
Volunteer
- Become a volunteer – General program support
- Summer camp mentor – Work with youth
- School-year mentor – After-school programs
- Outdoor educator – Teach water sports and environment
- Administrative support – Office and operations help
- Special events – Fundraiser assistance
Students
- Community service hours – School credit
- Leadership development – Resume building
- Make a difference – Change lives
- Learn about disabilities – Diversity education
Donate
- Financial contributions – Tax-deductible
- Equipment donations – Boats, kayaks, marine gear
- Corporate sponsorship – Partnership opportunities
- In-kind donations – Goods and services
- Legacy giving – Planned gifts
Corporate & Group Engagement
- Team building – Corporate sailing programs
- Group community service – Volunteer days
- Sponsorship opportunities – Event and program support
- Matching gifts – Double your impact
Impact by the Numbers
Making a Measurable Difference
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Reach | 8,000 participants (3,000 youth/disabilities) |
| Fleet | 10 adaptive sailboats, 30 adaptive kayaks, safety vessels |
| Programs | 7 days/week, year-round |
| Outcomes | 70-79% reading improvement, 65-76% math improvement |
Location & Access
Beautiful Coconut Grove Waterfront
- Address: 2620 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, Miami, FL 33133
- Access: Easy to find on South Bayshore Drive; ample on-site/street parking; public transit and bike-friendly.
- Nearby: 5-minute walk to Coconut Grove village, adjacent to Dinner Key Marina, close to Monty’s Raw Bar, CocoWalk, Peacock Park.
Support Shake-A-Leg Miami
- Why Support: Transform lives, build community, proven impact, accessible to all, unique mission.
- How to Donate: Online, phone (305-858-5550), mail (2620 S. Bayshore Dr., Miami, FL 33133), Give Miami Day, corporate sponsorship.
- Tax Benefits: 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 65-0611917); donations are tax-deductible.
Connect with Shake-A-Leg
- Website: www.shakealegmiami.org
- Phone: (305) 858-5550
- Email: Through website contact form
- Social Media: Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
- Podcast: Available on Spotify and YouTube
- Newsletter: Sign up on website for updates, program announcements, and volunteer opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have a disability to participate?
No! Shake-A-Leg programs are inclusive and open to all. People with and without disabilities participate together.
What ages can participate?
Programs serve all ages – from young children through seniors. Specific programs are age-grouped appropriately.
Do I need sailing experience?
No experience necessary! Programs range from absolute beginner to advanced sailors.
How much do programs cost?
Costs vary by program. No one is turned away for inability to pay – scholarships and sliding scale available.
Are the boats and kayaks really accessible?
Yes! The fleet is specially designed and continuously adapted to accommodate all types of disabilities.
Can I volunteer if I don’t know how to sail?
Absolutely! Volunteers of all backgrounds and skill levels are needed and welcomed.
Is Shake-A-Leg a nonprofit?
Yes, Shake-A-Leg Miami is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 65-0611917).
Connect with YachtService.VIP
While Shake-A-Leg Miami is a nonprofit adaptive sailing center, boaters in the Coconut Grove area can find professional marine services through YachtService.VIP.
Visit YachtService.VIP to connect with certified marine professionals in the Coconut Grove waterfront area.
Shake-A-Leg Miami – Empowering lives through the power of sailing and water sports since 1990
“Moving Beyond Disabilities”
