Review: Glide Backwater Board & OutdoorMaster SHARK 3 Pump
The Backwater Fishing Board ($499) by Glide is built with space and stability in mind, which made it a comfortable option for a casual day on the water. Although I didn’t use it for fishing, it was easy to see how well it would work for that purpose. The board came with attachment points and accessories that would make it useful for anglers looking to bring along gear without feeling cramped or having to balance everything awkwardly on the deck.
As a general-purpose paddleboard, the extra size was one of its best features. It felt sturdy and balanced, especially with my dog along for the ride. There was plenty of room for both of us, and the wider shape made the experience feel more relaxed instead of wobbly. Bringing a dog on a paddleboard can sometimes feel like adding a moving piece of cargo, but the Backwater had enough space that it still felt manageable and comfortable.
Even without using the fishing setup, the board felt versatile. It would be a good fit for someone wanting to fish from it, but it also works well for floating, casual paddling, or bringing along extra gear for a longer day outside. It may be more board than someone needs for a quick solo paddle, but that is also what makes it useful. For someone wanting a board that can handle more than just a short lap around the lake, the Backwater is sturdy, roomy, and easy to enjoy.
During my day on the lake, I also used the SHARK 3 Rechargeable Electric SUP Pump ($180) by Outdoor Master. This pump made the setup process much easier. Since the Backwater is a larger board, inflating it by hand would have taken much time and effort before even getting on the water. The electric pump helped make the experience more convenient, saving energy for the actual paddle instead of using it all during the pre-paddle workout.
One of the most useful parts of the pump was the variety of pieces and adapters it came with. That versatility makes it helpful beyond just one board, especially if you have different inflatable gear or need to switch between valve types. It made the pump more practical overall, rather than something that only works for one specific setup.
Paired with the Glide Backwater, the SHARK 3 made getting out on the water feel smoother and more manageable from the start. The board itself was stable and spacious, but the pump made it easier to use without making inflation feel like the hardest part of the day. It’s a pragmatic add-on that takes away some of the hassle and makes an inflatable paddle board feel a lot easier to use regularly. Together, the two made for a simple, comfortable paddleboard setup, especially with a dog tagging along.
