It seems obvious in hindsight. Inuit can travel 100km a day in an ocean-going kayak. It would be incredible if historically they didn't ever think of going down the coast to see what was there.
while this was likely also true of earlier groups, its important to remember that the Inuit came to North America at a much later date (from around 500-900AD) and had very advanced stone age technology and techniques, amongst the most sophisticated known to exist.
Earlier groups did not necessarily have their technological sophistication[1], nor their cultural and technical mastery of the ocean, so its misleading to argue via analogy.
[1] A kayak is really a marvel in terms of engineering the most with the absolute least amount of materials, even modern materials and techniques are hard pressed to match a traditional design, particularly with the outer skin, animal skin is much lighter, quieter, more durable and repairable than something like fiberglass. Each boat is carefully fitted to its owner, and designed precisely for maximum agility and stability.
Earlier groups did not necessarily have their technological sophistication[1], nor their cultural and technical mastery of the ocean, so its misleading to argue via analogy.
[1] A kayak is really a marvel in terms of engineering the most with the absolute least amount of materials, even modern materials and techniques are hard pressed to match a traditional design, particularly with the outer skin, animal skin is much lighter, quieter, more durable and repairable than something like fiberglass. Each boat is carefully fitted to its owner, and designed precisely for maximum agility and stability.