I own three kayaks but haven't paddled them since 2004. My kayak period was a few months in 1980 in California whitewater and from 1996-2004 in seakayaks. I then went to Hawaiian outrigger canoe for four years because I never felt comfortable, physically or mentally, in a kayak and never mastered a roll, which I had in a canoe. I always paddled open canoes at the same time I was paddling kayaks and the outrigger, but then went exclusively back to open canoes in 2009. I really should sell those things. At least they haven't rotted; no wood.
Experimenting with different paddle crafts, paddle types and paddle techniques is not dark. It's all part of the palette of paddling pleasure.
Of course, Tony, they do make canoes out of the same rock bouncing plastic as they make kayaks. By the way, did you ever sell your psychedelic Jackson kayak?