I fish from both, kayak and 18 ft bass boat.
I'm much more accurate with my casting standing on a solid deck.
As far as scaring the fish ? Not really an issue.
I often vertical fish " drop shot " in bath clear water , only 8-10 ft in a blaze orange kayak.....I watch the bass take the bait.
Your friend sticks with a very proven method to consistently catch bass, texas rigged plastics.
I get bored and like to rip a few baits. Lol