A Visit with Jack Hurley: Master Canoe Builder and Character Extraordinaire

A few weeks ago a last minute change of plans gave me the unique opportunity to meet this legendary canoe builder and tour his shop. When I started filming all I wanted to do was grab some short 'added content' for my upcoming Meanest Link series. But in the end there was simply too much to show; my tour and the new friendship founded with this amazing personality meant too much to be buried in another film. The filming is pretty darn amateur, but if you beautiful canoes and interesting people, this one's for you!
Huge thanks to Jack and Peggy! Looking forward to seeing you both again soon.
Check out Hurley Canoe Works: www.greenval.co...
Music provided by KZbin Audio Library:
"Castleshire" by Chris Haugen

[@shaneroper5470]

Beautiful canoes. Heavy for portaging by today's standards. But that's the result of a society spoiled with convenience. Great little documentary.

[@KatherineMcGlynn123]

Thank you for making this. It brought me right back to my time with Jack. Some of the same stories and a voice I could listen to until the end of time. ❤️ Miss you Jack!

[@blownfx]

I just stumbled on to this video. I knew Jack so many, many years ago. I hadn't realised that Jack was so young - 70 in 2020 and now 72? Oh to be young again. Jack and Peggy. Rob Gamble. Dave Wainman. Brenda Wainman. Lex Callacott. And many others whose names are lost in time. So many memories. Good job on the video, btw.

[@AmazinFireMan]

Head in the game? This was very real, both of you!

[@algonquinariadventureman2646]

Great Video Russ !!

[@peterhurley4645]

Thanks for this. I have known Jack all of my life (we shared a room in our boyhood home). It is great that you were able to share Jack and his uniqueness with the world. He has lead a wonderful life providing great joy to countless friends and customers (who become friends). Wealth should not be measured by one's bank accounts but by the quality of your life's vocation and the strength of the friendships you make along the way. Thus I consider Jack one of the wealthiest men on this endangered planet.

[@Paddlerunner]

Peter Hurley thanks for this!!

[@drbsmokelake5564]

For anyone who truly appreciates a Master Craftsman's work, canoeing and Algonquin Park....... it doesn't get any better than this. Much appreciated and sincerely enjoyed. Thanks !

[@thepriest98]

You've managed to capture a man, a legend in our canoe culture world, at his home, in his element being 100% himself and genuine. No professional documentary team could have captured what you did here. Thanks, Chris

[@LouisDecarlo]

blast from the past,.,.great to see your workshop,.,. best to you from sunny scotland

[@ralfnjan]

Mr Jerry as known to Camp Voyageur trips

[@charlottenee8018]

What a wonderful piece of history and a man worth the story! Thanks for taking the time to share a glimpse of a time honored profession and the man who devoted hi life to ultimately gave a lot of joy to camp dwellers and voyagers alike. Looking forward to seeing your Meanest Link trip. Well done!

[@Paddlerunner]

RovingRV thanks for the kind words! Happy to hear it hit the right chord.

[@morganillsley94]

Great video. You did nothing wrong. If anything this is an understated masterpiece. I also know who will be restoring my canoe..Once I find it!

[@outdoorzee1]

Hi Jack! I am glad to see you and the shop are still going strong, keeping the history and tradition alive and well :) Enjoy Cedar Lake on September 9th. I enjoyed my 5 summers up there too!

[@RossBrownfoot]

That was so well done, Russ! I really enjoyed watching it.

[@Paddlerunner]

Thanks Ross!! Much appreciated.

[@jeffgriffiths5945]

thanks for posting!

[@robertbolding4182]

Oh look I photograph of the Earth from the Moon. I wonder if that's one of the ones the NASA lost you know accidentally misplaced it.

[@Martin_G]

That was brilliant! Add me to the list for one of Jacks new fangled lightweight solo trippers.

[@Paddlerunner]

Martin G thank you! I know right? I can’t wait to see the first one off the production line!

[@jonwilliams23]

Good interview!

[@stevedolan9867]

Russ - wonderful video... thank you...oh I also want one of those solos... add me to the list... please...

[@downeastprimitiveskills7688]

I won't take offence to having Maine cedar low down in the list. We use what we got. fun video. and 71 sub.