I would agree with your theory.I think he got a real thrill out of low level flying not realizing the dangers. Old axim: There are old pilots and bold pilots, but there are no old bold pilots.
“I keep telling my dad flying the ICON A5 low over the water is like flying a fighter jet!”
https://sports.yahoo.com/plane-roy-halladay-flying-jet-ski-wings-234327786.html
This is what struck me when reading a few days ago. He had all of Tampa Bay right outside his house so a good percentage of his flights were over water and *unfortunately* flying close to the water for the thrills. And too much skimming is what did him in. RIP. And just my take on it.
His father was a commercial pilot and maybe he was trying to impress him. Subconsciously.