You jump on the raft. She has a make shift oar made of wood. You try to grab it, and she shoves you off the raft. 

You notice before falling in the water that the oar is not a normal oar. It has a crystal at the top, and it vibrates when you try to grab it. It turns out it you think it is not an oar at all, but a staff, possibly a magic staff.

You grab the raft while in the water.

"I'm not about to drown you idiot!" She says. "I need help transporting this staff and could use some help."

It turns out you are right. The staff is not an oar, but a magical staff.