[acabtp]

you aren't required to have them, but hitting the water without backup propulsion is a bad idea. maybe not that that bad if you have boatUS, but still you'd be waiting a while for help. i run both gas and electric motors, and i have boatUS, but I still never leave the dock without my oars.

that said, using a paddle on something designed for rowing is a nightmare. you spend most of your energy spinning back and forth trying to keep on track rather than moving through the water. keep the oars and move the rod holders.