TNP Wolferine Carbon 716C.4 4-piece

TNP Wolferine Carbon 716C.4: fiberglass flexibility and expedition reliability in every pack

The Wolferine as the benchmark of hiking: the evolution of a legendary shape

The shape of the Wolferine blade from the Czech brand TNP has literally become an icon among hiking and seakayak paddles. Its design is the result of long-term testing on the open sea and Czech rivers. Unlike aggressive wide blades for wild water, the Wolferine is characterized by its elongated, asymmetrical profile (low-angle shape).

This geometry is optimized for a smooth, less forceful but more frequent stroke. Over the course of a full day's paddling, when a paddler takes tens of thousands of strokes, the Wolferine shape minimizes drag when pulling the paddle out of the water, saving shoulder joints. The blade offers the perfect balance between the surface area needed for support and aerodynamics in a headwind. The shape of the tip also makes it easier to "cut" the water without unnecessary splashing.

Sheet construction: carbon fibre doped thermoplastic

The material composition of the sheets is what sets the 716C above the standard. While cheap and nearly indestructible, conventional plastic paddles often suffer from high weight and uncomfortable flexibility in the water. Full carbon paddles, on the other hand, are stiff but very fragile when hitting a rock. TNP has chosen here the absolutely ideal route for expedition deployment.

The sheets are made of high quality polyamide (thermoplastic) into which they are injection moulded under high pressurecarbon (carbon) fibres. This process (often referred to as PAG Carbon) creates a material that retains the excellent mechanical durability of plastic - you can bounce it off rocks in shallow streams without worry. However, the carbon fibers add radical stiffness to the sheet and significantly reduce the overall weight. The paddle doesn't "chew" during a power stroke, it doesn't flex, and your energy is much more efficiently transferred to moving the boat forward.

Four-piece fiberglass shaft: Durability and ideal flexibility

The biggest technological challenge with multi-part paddles is always maintaining the stiffness of the whole system. TNP's 716C uses a robust, high qualityfiberglass. The fibreglass shaft offers an excellent compromise between weight and price, and has a natural, slightly higher flexibility than pure carbon. This subtle flexibility absorbs micro-impacts during the stroke and significantly saves your hamstrings during multi-kilometre crossings. Another huge advantage is that fiberglass doesn't harden in your hands like duralumin (aluminum) paddles, which you'll appreciate during spring and fall paddling.

Four-part construction means that you break the paddle into segments, the longest of which is usually under 70 centimetres. This is absolutely key for packraft riders who need to pack the paddle inside a backpack, or for travelers who don't want to pay excess baggage fees on a plane or train.

Classic pegging: reliability in the wild

Unlike the more complex models with Vario clutch, the 716C.4 relies on complete mechanical simplicity. The individual parts of the shaft (including the center joint) are connected by robustspring (pressure) pins stainless steel, which fit into precisely drilled holes in the core.

The main advantage of this solution is the so-called "foolproofness". The mechanism does not contain any moving levers or plastic eccentricities that could become sandbound, freeze or be damaged during rough transport. The system offers a fixed length and standard pre-set blade angles (usually 0° and 60° for right and left hand). It is the obvious choice of expedition hikers who prefer absolute minimalism and zero risk of equipment failure thousands of miles from civilization.

Hydrodynamics and leaf stability on long routes

The central guide rib on the back of the Wolferine blade (backface) ensures that the paddle does not move sideways during the stroke. The water flows smoothly around the blade, which prevents the so-called "flutter" (unpleasant fluttering in the water). In addition, the end of the blade at the shaft is shaped to naturally shed water droplets and prevent them from running directly onto the paddler's hands, although standard drip rings are of course fitted to the blade.

Suitable activities and field deployment

The TNP Wolferine Carbon 716C.4 excels in disciplines where the need for transport is combined with reliable performance and durability:

• Packrafting and expedition tourism: You can easily pack the paddle into a small backpack and fold it up just before you get on the river.
• Seakayaking on hard: The fiberglass shaft and optimized blade shape minimize fatigue on 30-kilometer open-water trails.
• Air crossings: The design comfortably meets checked baggage limits without having to pay extra for oversize.

About TNP: Czech quality with a global reputation

TNP is a traditional Czech manufacturer with a production plant that supplies paddlers all over the world. Their paddles have earned a reputation as "indestructible workhorses". The company is constantly innovating its manufacturing processes and the integration of carbon fibre into the plastic blades, as seen in the Wolferine Carbon, shows that Czech engineering is still among the world's best.

Care, maintenance and service of the split shaft

Multi-piece paddles are in principle more susceptible to dirt that can get into the joints. If you take your paddle out to sea, the crystallizing salt can literally "cook" the joints after drying. Fine river sand is the same enemy. Rule number one: after each expedition, unfold the paddle into all 4 parts and rinse the tubes and spring pins thoroughly with fresh, clean water. If the parts go in stiffly, never use thick oils (dust will immediately stick to them), wash the joints and if necessary, very gently rub them with dry Teflon spray.

Technical parameters and specifications

Bonus program and purchase benefits

With the purchase of this premium travel paddle from us, you get a significant amount of credits for the bonus program. You can use these credits on your next order to purchase, for example, a dry suit, a quality throwing life jacket or waterproof bags for expeditions. As the paddle does not have an adjustable length, we will be happy to give you expert advice on choosing the ideal paddle length for your boat and body type before dispatch.