Why Were the Polynesians So Good at Seafaring, Especially Across Entire Oceans?

The Polynesians were a group of people who lived in the Pacific Islands. They were known for their sailing abilities and were able to travel across vast distances of the ocean. They were able to travel so far because they had developed the following techniques:

  • They used a form of navigation known as wayfinding. Wayfinding is a system of using stars, currents, and other natural signs to navigate the ocean.
  • They used a type of boat called a canoe. Canoes are narrow, lightweight boats that are able to move quickly through the water.
  • They used a type of sail called a lateen sail. Lateen sails are triangular sails that are able to catch the wind in a variety of directions.

These techniques allowed the Polynesians to travel across the Pacific Ocean and to reach islands that were thousands of miles away. They were also able to travel against the wind, which made it possible for them to return to their home islands.

  1. What is wayfinding? Answer: A system of using stars, currents, and other natural signs to navigate the ocean.
  2. What type of boat did the Polynesians use? Answer: A canoe.
  3. What type of sail did the Polynesians use? Answer: A lateen sail.
  4. How far did the Polynesians travel? Answer: Across the entire Pacific Ocean.
  5. Why were the Polynesians able to travel against the wind? Answer: Because they used a type of sail called a lateen sail.
  • GoPro Hero11 Black Action Camera
  • Garmin Forerunner 955 GPS Running Watch
  • Astral Loyak IV Water Shoe
  • YETI Rambler 18 oz. Bottle
  • NRS Chinook Dry Suit

Pre:What does Wassail mean
Next:How far east could a Polynesian sail without hitting an island or another continent

^