Wonder if they had a old aluminum canoe or what. It is hard to compare times with now light and well designed canoes for racing.
Anyone know what they had for equipment?

Eli, MN….giggle

Seriously though it would be cool to see their gear as well.
T

My guess is that they used a wood-canvas canoe. See this article from 2006 in the Quetico Superior Wilderness News:

Ely to Atikokan Races

Here's a BWCA.com post about Joe Meany from 2015:
RIP Joe Meany

Ausable: "My guess is that they used a wood-canvas canoe. See this article from 2006 in the Quetico Superior Wilderness News:
Ely to Atikokan Races "

Thanks a awesome write and very informative.

Joe Meany along with his Brother Don were the best of the best in Wilderness canoeing in Canada. They were national treasures of that great country.

Don Meany owned the XY paddle company in Atikokan. Later is Son took over but it’s not thriving as it once was. Well thriving might be a stretch since nobody hand-crafting canoe paddles for discerning canoeists drives a Cadillac.

I used one of Don’s paddles for a few decades til I just plum wore it out.
Here is probably the best canoeing video ever made in modern history. These two men were tough. No lily-dipping or base camping for these two.
Don and Joe Meany tackle Canadian waters

tumblehome: "Joe Meany along with his Brother Don were the best of the best in Wilderness canoeing in Canada. They were national treasures of that great country.


Don Meany owned the XY paddle company in Atikokan. Later is Son took over but it’s not thriving as it once was. Well thriving might be a stretch since nobody hand-crafting canoe paddles for discerning canoeists drives a Cadillac.


I used one of Don’s paddles for a few decades til I just plum wore it out.
Here is probably the best canoeing video ever made in modern history. These two men were tough. No lily-dipping or base camping for these two.
Don and Joe Meany tackle Canadian waters "

So many of the BWCA racers made canoes or equipment. Be it Wenonah canoes or Jensen and more.
Some of you probably know other contributions.

i'm such a piker compared to these guys...

jcavenagh: "i'm such a piker compared to these guys..."

What is a "piker"

T

Guess the RABC program was functioning for them

These guys were hero’s of their time… But to me getting to know so many people here my mind is blown. From actual racing and challenges to some pretty epic trips… we’ve had some of the best here. I’ll forget so many names if I even try to name folks… Some of the biggest hearts, kindest people I ever knew.
I will name the Spartans 1&2… as a great example. Dan Cooke was another genuine friend. Even our Adam who has been the best website host. Thank you Adam!
To you newer folks… I hope you all keep the spark alive here. There have been some very awesome people contributing over the years with some great Knowledge…
It’ll never be the same as time goes forward. But feeding off each other you can really make your own experiences better. I’ve not been able to paddle for a while. But the friendships I’ve made here made my final days so rich. My prayer for everyone here is that your year here is full of adventures. You all remain safe. And shoot for the stars. Broaden your scope on different places to go. And make friends from this website. We’ve lost our share of fellow paddlers. Very hard moments. Paddle on everyone and thanks for making this the community it is.

nctry: "These guys were hero’s of their time… But to me getting to know so many people here my mind is blown. From actual racing and challenges to some pretty epic trips… we’ve had some of the best here. I’ll forget so many names if I even try to name folks… Some of the biggest hearts, kindest people I ever knew.
I will name the Spartans 1&2… as a great example. Dan Cooke was another genuine friend. Even our Adam who has been the best website host. Thank you Adam!
To you newer folks… I hope you all keep the spark alive here. There have been some very awesome people contributing over the years with some great Knowledge…
It’ll never be the same as time goes forward. But feeding off each other you can really make your own experiences better. I’ve not been able to paddle for a while. But the friendships I’ve made here made my final days so rich. My prayer for everyone here is that your year here is full of adventures. You all remain safe. And shoot for the stars. Broaden your scope on different places to go. And make friends from this website. We’ve lost our share of fellow paddlers. Very hard moments. Paddle on everyone and thanks for making this the community it is."

Good write Ben and you and many others have added so much and can pass it forward.