I don't really understand why people get their panties in big wads over this issue. Why does it have to be row versus wade at all? Sometimes it's nice to wade if the water's not too deep. Other times it's too deep to wade so you're better off rowing. The two are not mutually exclusive, you know.

And what about the other options? Sailing is nice. Motorboats go a lot faster than rowing or wading. Sometimes it's nice to just float down a lazy stream in an innertube. And what about good old-fashioned swimming?   

I think the whole thing is way overblown.