Both boat and surfcasting are proper styles of fishing, however I think the media, fishing shows and magazines are to blame for how people see the different styles. Watch any fishing show lately, it's basically watch a group of guys and a token female out on a boat targeting snapper, kingies or out in deep water catching puka or marlin... same goes with the fishing news mag, when I read that at the supermarket (sorry I will not buy that mag thanks to it being 80% ads, 29% boat fishing and 1% surfcasting) it once again pushes the idea you need to be on a boat to be a fisherman.
As for myself, catching fish is only half my reason, I like the fact I fish on beaches I would never visit if I were not a surfcaster and miss out on some great scenery, something you can't fully appreciate looking at from a boat. Funny how I'd assume the majority of households would have a surfcaster and use it regulary, how many would own and afford to run a boat as often?