What a dumb thing to say. Even if you live near the water, not that many people would spend much time on the open ocean for more than a few hours. Not to mention that the majority of ports and access to ocean faring boats are going to be in or near cities anyway.
You sound like someone who knows very little, yet gatekeeping like you’re some worldly person.
goes on to exactly agree with the "dumb" conclusion that not many people know about waves because they live in cities and don't spend much time on the water.