Navigating the Waka Tapu
The Waka Tapu journey from Aotearoa to Rapanui (Easter Island) and back, which closed the Polynesian triangle, was navigated without instruments.
The three main techniques that navigator Jack Thatcher used on the journey were:
understanding and using the star compass
dead reckoning
knowing where your destination is all the time.
The star compass is the most important and vital knowledge for wayfinding. It is a representation of the whole environment. It includes the stars, Sun, Moon and ‘houses’ on the horizon between the sea and sky (the ‘houses’ are dictated by the rising and setting of heavenly bodies). Knowing the star compass is to understand your environment, and then you work out where your canoe (the only instrument) fits into that environment.
Dead reckoning is to calculate where you are at a given moment in time and where you are going to be later, based on the performance of the waka. You need to keep a mental track of that 24/7.
The third main technique is to be clear about your destination at all times, so if you deviate from the course for whatever reason (for example, winds or a storm), you are constantly aware of where you should be and return to your course as soon as possible.
Establishing direction – the course line
To know your position within the environment, Jack describes establishing a direction or course line from one point to the next. This line is worked out using the Sun, Moon and stars (the star compass) and becomes a reference point for all calculations. Everything is based on that line. Knowing where that line is all the time is a part of knowing where the destination island will be, because the line terminates at that island. You will also know where you are in relation to the island as you move towards it. Once the course line has been determined, you need to maintain that direction.
Star compass
This star compass (kāpehu whetū) shows some of the stars as they align with their houses. The star compass shows where the stars will rise and set on the celestial equator – slightly different for our horizon in Aotearoa.
Calculating distance
Distance can be worked out mathematically using western ideas about speed (miles or kilometres covered per hour) or by using a more ancient way. The old way is based on the knowledge of the time taken to get from one particular island to another (for example, half a day). This becomes the standard measurement for distance that is used to estimate the distance to the next island. You measure the time it takes and compare it to the first measurement, for example, it might be the same as the first time (half a day – so a similar distance) or it might take 20 times as long to get there (10 days). This gives you an idea about distances between islands.
Measuring speed
An indication of speed can be obtained by counting how long it takes whitewash (a splash) to travel from the bow to a certain point at the stern. This gives a basic indication of the canoe speed and can be used to calculate the time of travel. Mathematical principles can be used to calculate speed, distance and time. You use the values you know to work out the unknown ones.
Speed = distance/time
Distance = speed x time
Time = distance/speed
Refining techniques
Jack used this journey to refine some navigating techniques. He devised a way to maintain direction at difficult times of the day such as when the Sun is high in the sky. Maintaining direction is based on the point at which the Sun rises from the horizon. It rises to the east, but its specific rising point depends on the season and your position on the globe. However, once the Sun gets too high, it’s hard to trace it back to its rising place on the horizon.
Jack’s technique involves finding north based on observations of the Sun after midday. Jack says it’s not very accurate, but it does confirm whether or not you are going in a constant direction. He also worked out a way to teach this to his students.
Equipment for safety only
Modern equipment on board the waka was used for safety only, not navigation. A satellite phone was used to send back waka positions so that others could track the Waka Tapu. VHS radios were used for interwaka communication. This was necessary when a problem arose, such as paddles breaking or when waka became separated. The lead waka (Te Aurere) did all the traditional navigating with the support waka (Ngahiraka Mai Tawhiti) following.
Related activities
Astronomical techniques involve knowledge of the night sky, find out more in these articles:
The star compass (kāpehu whetū) uses cardinal directions and 220 stars to show where stars will rise and set on the celestial equator.
The celestial sphere uses reference points like the horizon, the zenith and stars’ altitude to determine direction.
Navigating with Sun, Moon and planet looks at how the rising and setting of the Sun and Moon and recognisable planets are useful for wayfinding.
Closer to home, navigators use these navigation aids:
Ocean swells, which are regular and stable waves that can be felt as well as seen.
Cloud formations that help navigators predict weather while out at sea.
Biological factors such as vegetation and seabird behaviour that indicate the proximity and direction of land even when it is not visible.
Activity ideas
Kupe and modern voyaging uses the legend of Kupe to compare ancient and modern navigation techniques.
How’s your memory? involves the memorisation of the star compass components – just like the real navigators.
Useful links
Te Puia has some information about the Waka Tapu – Closing the Polynesian Triangle project.
See the Polynesian Voyaging Society website to find out more about the art and science of traditional Polynesian voyaging.
