Shake-A-Leg Miami
Shake-A-Leg Miami is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1990 that provides universally accessible adaptive water sports, sailing, and marine vocational training for children and adults with disabilities, veterans, and families in Miami-Dade County from its Coconut Grove facility.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersMiami, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Shake-A-Leg Miami does
Shake-A-Leg Miami is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1990 by Harry Horgan and Dr. Barth Green, operating from a historic 1932 Coast Guard seaplane hangar at 2620 S Bayshore Dr in Coconut Grove, Miami. The organization provides universally accessible adaptive water sports and marine recreation programs — including sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, powerboating, fishing, and vocational training — for children and adults with physical, developmental, and mobility disabilities, veterans, youth, and families in Miami-Dade County. It operates a fleet of 20 sailboats, 60 kayaks, and several safety boats, alongside a 3-story universally accessible watersports building (opened 2002) and serves as the permanent home base for the 60-foot accessible catamaran Impossible Dream, which extends program reach along the Eastern Seaboard.
The organization runs a diversified portfolio of programs segmented into Youth and Families (Marine Academy Summer Camp, Adventure Island Camp, We Can Sail, Eco-Tours, mentorship), Adults and Veterans (Seaworthy Transition, Vocational Program, Sunday Social, Veterans Programs), and Community Engagement (Family Day Sail, ASA Sailing Courses, Regattas, Fishing Tournaments). It also operates the Marine & Hospitality Vocational Program offering CNC machine training, boat maintenance, and hospitality skills for adults with disabilities. The business model is donation- and grant-driven: revenue is sourced from individual and corporate donations, foundation grants (Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Craig H. Neilsen Foundation), state appropriations, and Miami-Dade County bond funding. Programs are free or scholarship-supported for qualifying participants, with $740,000+ in scholarships disbursed in the past year.
Go-to-market is community-led, relying on partnerships with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, rehabilitation centers (Holtz Children's Hospital, Lynn Rehabilitation Center), veteran organizations, healthcare providers, and corporate groups (Florida Blue, City of Miami). Distribution is direct via online application (JotForm), with no app, no API, and no digital product layer. The organization employs 11-50 staff, engages 15,000+ volunteer hours annually, and reports 30,000+ annual visits from participants across all abilities. Notable recognition includes hosting the 1999 World Blind Sailing Championships, an official visit by Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, and a 25th Anniversary Art of Sail Gala in 2016. The organization has weathered material setbacks including Hurricane Irma (2017 fleet damage) and COVID-19 (2020 program contraction) and remains actively operating as of 2026.
Shake-A-Leg Miami firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Shake-A-Leg Miami
- Legal name
- Shake a Leg Miami Inc.
- Website
- https://shakealegmiami.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1990
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Shake-A-Leg Miami is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1990 that provides universally accessible adaptive water sports, sailing, and marine vocational training for children and adults with disabilities, veterans, and families in Miami-Dade County from its Coconut Grove facility.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Shake-A-Leg Miami industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Adaptive Water Sports and Recreational Services
- NAICS
- Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Surf Schools & Surf Camps (THAAAKAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Sailing & Water Sports Teams/Clubs (Sailing, Rowing, Surfing) (MPAKABAH), Surfing & Kitesurfing Experiences (Lessons, Camps) (THAJAJAJ)
Keywords
Where Shake-A-Leg Miami is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Miami
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Shake-A-Leg Miami business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Philanthropy: Individual and corporate donations fund operations and scholarships. The organization operates a donation page and accepts planned giving. Donors receive suggested giving levels tied to specific programs.
- Grant Funding: Receives grants from foundations including the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation ($50,000 Quality of Life grant), Craig H. Neilsen Foundation (SCI grant), and Miami-Dade County bond funding ($4 million in 1996). State appropriations from Florida legislators also support programs.
- Scholarship-Funded Programs: Program fees are covered by scholarships for qualifying Miami-Dade children and adults with disabilities and/or economic challenges. Over $740,000 in scholarships given in the past year.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Free and scholarship-supported programs for eligible participants |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Shake-A-Leg Miami product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Shake-A-Leg Miami is a nonprofit organization that delivers universally accessible adaptive water sports, sailing, and vocational programs from its Coconut Grove waterfront campus on Biscayne Bay. Programs serve children and adults with disabilities, veterans, youth, and families through sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and marine/hospitality vocational training, supported by a fleet of adaptive boats and approximately $740,000 in annual scholarships.
Product overview
Shake-A-Leg Miami is a nonprofit adaptive water sports organization providing universally accessible water sports and sailing programs from its Coconut Grove location on Biscayne Bay. The organization offers a comprehensive portfolio of programs including youth and family programs (We Can Sail, Marine Academy Summer Camp, Adventure Island Camp, Eco-Tours), adult and veteran programs (Seaworthy, Veterans Programs, Vocational Program, Sunday Social), and community engagement programs (Family Day Sail, Regattas, Fishing Tournaments, ASA Sailing Courses). The organization operates from a historic 1932 Coast Guard seaplane hangar and serves as home base for the 60-foot accessible catamaran Impossible Dream. Founded in 1990, the organization provides approximately $740,000 in annual scholarships and has served over 8,800 people annually.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- We Can Sail Program Adaptive sailing program for children with disabilities offering half-day experiences on Biscayne Bay including boat rides, sailing, kayaking, and fishing.
- Marine Academy Summer Camp An eight-week hybrid summer camp offering classroom instruction combined with hands-on water activities including kayaking, sailing, swimming, and STEM education.
- Adventure Island Camp Safe outdoor experience for youth of all abilities with daily activities designed to spark curiosity and build confidence.
- Outings/Eco-Tours Experiences on Biscayne Bay using kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats, and powerboats with eco-education components.
- Seaworthy Program Workforce transition program for young adults with disabilities teaching skills to help them enter the workforce.
- Veterans Programs Water sports and recreational programs designed to serve disabled veterans, active military members, and their families.
- Vocational Program Technical skills training program for adults with disabilities covering boat maintenance, repair, restoration, woodworking, and facility operations.
- Sunday Social Program Water sports and socialization program assisting students and young adults with disabilities as they transition out of school.
- Family Day Sail Free, fully accessible family day on the bay for families with members who have disabilities.
- Regattas Competitive sailing events including the M32 Miami Winter Series, Melges 20 Worlds Championship, Etchell's Regatta, and Columbus Day Regatta.
- Fishing Tournaments Adaptive fishing competitions and tournaments hosted for schools and organizations.
- ASA Sailing Course American Sailing Association certified sailing instruction from basic to advanced levels.
- Marine & Hospitality Vocational Program Vocational training program offering CNC machine training, boat maintenance, hospitality service skills, customer relations, and preparation for boater's license.
Quantifiable outcome
- 30,000+ visits from children and adults of all abilities per year
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Shake-A-Leg Miami
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Shake-A-Leg Miami technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Shake-A-Leg Miami partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.
- Land N SeaminorDonated life jackets to support safe and accessible Autism Bay Day experiences, approximately 175 participants enjoying sailing and waterfront activities.
- Showtime Photo BoothminorPartnership announced to provide photo booth services at events and community engagement activities.
- The Way Forward FoundationminorOrganized a TopGolf Tournament benefiting Shake-A-Leg Miami, raising funds and awareness for the organization's programs.
- University of Miami (UM) CARDcoreUniversity of Miami Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) representatives visit the Marine and Hospitality Vocational Program. UM School of Architecture students have designed accessible houseboats. UM Innovation, Technology & Design students have pitched solutions. UM Advanced Documentary Photography students have documented programs.
- Impossible Dream Catamaran (Deborah Mellen)coreA 60-foot universally accessible catamaran makes Shake-A-Leg Miami its winter home. The vessel serves individuals with disabilities and veterans, sailing the Eastern Seaboard from Cuba to Maine to spread awareness. Deborah Mellen purchased the vessel as a way to give back. This is the 4th major distance race and 9th year traveling the East Coast.
- Maiden (Tracy Edwards)minorThe Maiden, an iconic sailing vessel with an all-female crew promoting women's education globally, visited Shake-A-Leg Miami for a Bay Day with women and girls from the organization. Stopped at Miami as part of a 90,000 nautical mile world tour visiting 60 destinations in 40+ countries.
- Brunswick, All Blue Planet, Sea Choice, Freedom Boat ClubcoreDonated $30,000 worth of equipment including Sea Choice life jackets, paddleboards, and other watersports and boating equipment for campers. Facilitated by former camper/mentor/employee Kevin Seelig. Sponsors visited camp firsthand to interact with participants.
- TUUCI (Dougan Clark)minorFounder Dougan Clark, a Miami native, has supported Shake-A-Leg for several years providing branded umbrellas and monetary support. He visited summer camp to share stories with campers and inspire them about entrepreneurship on the water.
- City of MiamicoreLong-standing partnership providing universal water access. Miami-Dade County provided $4 million bond funding in 1996. City Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela (District 1) visited to learn about programs serving his constituents.
- Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the NetherlandsmajorTheir Majesties of the Netherlands made an official visit to Shake-A-Leg Miami, highlighting the organization's international recognition and impact.
- Romero BrittominorArtist Romero Britto created the Britto Houseboat art installation unveiled at Shake-A-Leg Miami during Give Miami Day, thanks to Ruth Mitchell's generosity. The colorful houseboat brings art and accessibility to Biscayne Bay.
- SeaSpace GroupminorPartner organization collaborating with Shake-A-Leg Miami on marine and ocean-related initiatives and programs.
- Holtz Children's HospitalminorChildren from Holtz Children's Hospital visited Shake-A-Leg Miami for a day of sailing and waterfront activities, bringing pediatric patients and their families to experience the bay.
- Florida BlueminorFlorida Blue corporate team spent a day on Biscayne Bay with Shake-A-Leg Miami, engaging employees in community connection and experiencing adaptive water sports.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights10 records
Shake-A-Leg Miami competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Easterseals: National disability services nonprofit operating across health, employment, and recreation. Comparable disability-services scope but operates at far larger scale as a federation rather than a single facility.
- Paralyzed Veterans of America: National organization serving veterans with spinal cord injuries and related disabilities through advocacy, sports, and recreation. Shares SCI-community outreach and adaptive sports programming with Shake-A-Leg's veterans program.
- Wounded Warrior Project: Large national nonprofit providing programs and services to wounded veterans, including physical and mental wellness activities. Overlaps with SAL's Veterans Programs in serving disabled veterans through recreation.
- Special Olympics Florida: State-level chapter providing year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Comparable sport-and-inclusion mission and volunteer-driven model in the same Florida geography.
Direct peers
- Shake-A-Leg Newport: Original sibling organization founded by Harry Horgan in Rhode Island providing adaptive sailing and water sports to people with disabilities. Shares founder, mission, and program model with Shake-A-Leg Miami, making it the most directly comparable peer.
- Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing: Nonprofit offering therapeutic recreation through fly fishing for disabled veterans. Comparable adaptive-recreation-for-disability-veterans mission and volunteer-driven program model.
- Turnstone Center: Fort Wayne, Indiana nonprofit providing adaptive sports, recreation, and wellness programs for people with disabilities. Comparable programming and scholarship-supported model.
- National Ability Center: Park City, Utah-based nonprofit offering adaptive recreation including skiing, rafting, and water sports for people of all abilities. Directly comparable mission, programming mix (camp + instruction + adaptive equipment), and impact-reporting model.
- Life Rolls On: Adaptive surfing nonprofit founded after a quadriplegic surfer's experience. Directly comparable to Shake-A-Leg Miami in providing adaptive water sports (surfing) to individuals with disabilities and veterans.
- Disabled Sports USA: National nonprofit providing adaptive sports and recreation programming including water-based activities to people with disabilities. Overlapping adaptive-water-sports instruction model with similar scholarship-supported access approach.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Shake-A-Leg Miami social profiles
Digital presenceShake-A-Leg Miami financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Shake-A-Leg Miami leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Shake-A-Leg Miami funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Shake-A-Leg Miami M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Shake-A-Leg Miami
What does Shake-A-Leg Miami do?
Shake-A-Leg Miami is a nonprofit organization that delivers universally accessible adaptive water sports, sailing, and vocational programs from its Coconut Grove waterfront campus on Biscayne Bay. Programs serve children and adults with disabilities, veterans, youth, and families through sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and marine/hospitality vocational training, supported by a fleet of adaptive boats and approximately $740,000 in annual scholarships.
Is Shake-A-Leg Miami a public or private company?
Shake-A-Leg Miami is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Shake-A-Leg Miami founded?
Shake-A-Leg Miami was founded in 1990. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Shake-A-Leg Miami based?
Shake-A-Leg Miami is headquartered in Miami, United States, in the North America region.
How does Shake-A-Leg Miami make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Philanthropy is the primary driver. The others are grant Funding and scholarship-Funded Programs.
Who are Shake-A-Leg Miami's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Easterseals, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Wounded Warrior Project and Special Olympics Florida. Direct peers are Shake-A-Leg Newport, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Turnstone Center, National Ability Center, Life Rolls On and Disabled Sports USA.
Does Shake-A-Leg Miami have an API?
No public API is recorded for Shake-A-Leg Miami.
What industry is Shake-A-Leg Miami in?
Shake-A-Leg Miami's product category is Adaptive Water Sports and Recreational Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAAKAC, Surf Schools & Surf Camps, with a secondary code of MPAKABAH, Sailing & Water Sports Teams/Clubs (Sailing, Rowing, Surfing). Its NAICS code is 61162 and its SIC code is 7997.