Which activity is primarily associated with paddling?

The activity primarily associated with paddling is using oars to move through water. Paddling involves the use of a paddle or oar to propel a boat forward, allowing for navigation in various water environments, such as lakes, rivers, or oceans. This technique is essential in activities like kayaking or canoeing, where the paddler needs to maneuver the vessel effectively.

The other choices, while related to water activities, do not specifically involve the action of paddling. Inflating a boat pertains to preparing the vessel for use, fishing from a stationary vessel involves catching fish rather than moving through water, and swimming in open water does not use any tools or implements to assist in navigation. Thus, using oars to move through water encapsulates the essence of what paddling is all about.