The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word BLADED
B
L
A
D
E
D
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Like oars" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case like oars = bladed.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BLADED mean?
BLADED verb- To skate on rollerblades.
- To furnish with a blade.
- To put forth or have a blade.
- To stab with a blade
- To cut (a person) so as to provoke bleeding.
- Having a blade; having the specified number of blades.