Oci-One Kanubi wrote:

majority of American kayakers
are sea-kayakers or rec-boat paddlers who call themselves kayakers,
neither of which is much of a "risky-type sport".

I am puzzled why you think sea-kayaking isn't a 'risky-type sport' - it
can include long open crossings, plenty of rough water, commiting coasts
with no landing spots for long distances, etc, etc.