Outdoor Master Shark 3 Review
If you’ve been searching for an honest Outdoor Master Shark 3 review, you’ve landed in the right place. We’ve been using this electric SUP pump for over a year now, inflating boards several times a week through every season so we know exactly how it performs in real-world conditions.
The OutdoorMaster Shark 3 promises fast, effortless inflation, dual-stage power and a quieter motor, but does it really live up to the hype after months of regular use?
In this review, we’ll share our full experience, including how it’s handled long paddle trips, multi-board sessions and those opportunistic mornings when speed really matters.
Whether you’re considering upgrading your old pump or buying your first one, this deep dive review will help you decide if the Outdoor Master Shark 3 is truly the best electric SUP pump for you.
Quick Specs: Outdoor Master Shark 3
| Feature | Shark 3 (2025 Version) |
|---|---|
| Model | Outdoor Master Shark 3 (2025 Version) |
| Max Pressure | 20 PSI / 1.38 bar |
| Inflation Time (Tested) | 5m 18s to 18 PSI (11’6″ Touring Board) |
| 2 Stage Inflation | Stage 1: 450 litres per minute Stage 2: 120 litres per minute |
| Battery Capacity | 12V / 74Wh |
| Power Options | Built-in rechargeable battery + 12V car port Tesla Car Compatibility (15.4V) |
| Maximim Use Time (Continuous) | 30 Mins |
| Charging Time | 5-8h via USB-C (Approx. 2h with 45W fast Charger) |
| Weight | 2.9kg (6.4lb) |
| Dimensions | 32 x 17 x 16 cm (approx. at widest points) |
| Noise Level | ~84dB at 1m distance |
| Modes | SUP / KITE / MAT |
| Deflation | Yes, but not auto shut off |
| Inflation Auto Stop | Yes, at preset PSI |
| Connector Type | Supplied with 8 versatile nozzles |
| Warranty | 2 Year |
| Retail Price | £150 |
First Impressions of the OutdoorMaster Shark 3
Unboxing and Setup
When I first received the Outdoor Master Shark 3, I was impressed by how compact the SUP Pump was.
Inside the box, you’ll find the pump, a hose and a variety of nozzle attachments. The first thing that stood out to me was the quality of the pump where on looks I was getting something that was thoughtfully designed, not just thrown together. The second thing that was very noticeable was the weight, although fairly compact in size at 32cm (L) x 17cm (W) x 16cm (H), it does weigh in at 2.9kg more on this later.
Setting it up for the first time was quick and painless. All I had to do was attach the hose, select the right nozzle for my SUP’s valve, and press the power on button. Within minutes, I was ready to go. No complicated instructions, no fumbling around, just plug and play.
Personal Experience
I remember the first time I used it, we had travelled to Bala Lake where all you could here was the sound of huffing and puffing by people pumping up their SUP’s. I hooked up the pump to our first board and within minutes, and very little effort the first board was fully inflated and it wasn’t long before people were coming over asking what pump I was using.
I’ve had other pumps before that took over 10 minutes to inflate a board, but the Outdoor Master Shark 3 inflated a 11’6″ touring board to 18.5 PSI in 5 minutes! That speed and convenience was a big win for me and we were on the water in record time.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things you’ll notice about the OutdoorMaster Shark 3 is its sleek, modern design. It’s fairly compact, durable, and feels solid but it is a little on the heavy side. The hose and attachments are sturdy, and the entire unit is made from durable plastic that feels like it can handle some wear and tear.
It has a beautiful large display which is very easy to read and looks cool with the 4 larger battery power bars around the outside. However, there is an element of style over function here because although it looks great when outdoors with the reflection of the sun on the display it is hard to read. I think it’s because of the clear surface finish over the display that reflects sunlight, and you will find yourself cupping your hands around it to check what PSI you’re at.
Portability
For me, portability is key. I like to throw my gear in the car and head to the water whenever I can, so having a pump that’s easy to transport is important. The Outdoor Master Shark 3 takes up little room in the boot with the only negative is its weight. It weighs in at 2.9kg and when I purchased it initially, I thought I would be able to put it in a dry bag and carrying it on the paddle board when going on longer touring adventures.
Unfortunately, due to the weight it just isn’t an option and still have to take a manual pump on those longer trips. However, it is certainly portable enough to carry to the waters edge which is what it was designed for and it is perfect for this although disappointing not being able to carry it on a paddle board.
Not having to use a car AUX Socket to power the pump and being confined by the length of the power cable is the reason why you would buy a SUP Pump like this. This is where it excels in portability and use!
No more worrying about parking where I can get the board close enough to the car to inflate it like previous wired electric pumps.
The only little disappointing for me is the overall weight but it is horses for courses I guess as the large capacity battery is required to enable it to pump 3 boards on a single charge where the bulk of the weight comes from.
Performance and Features
Inflation Power and Speed
The Outdoor Master Shark 3 is a beast when it comes to inflating a SUP. With a powerful motor, it can inflate a standard sized board (about 10-12 feet) in roughly 5 minutes. Compared to using a manual pump and other electric pumps I have used the inflation time is quick and a breeze.
What I love most is that it has an auto-stop feature that kicks in once your board reaches the desired PSI. You simply set the pressure (most SUPs range anywhere between 12-20 PSI), and the pump shuts off once it’s reached that point. No more guessing or having to constantly check the pressure gauge so you can prep your other gear while it is inflating your SUP. It really makes inflating your paddle board effortless!
Before using the Shark 3, I would spend 10-15 minutes manually inflating my board, arms burning and sweat dripping especially on those hot summer days. Now, I just hook it up, press a button, and let it do its thing. It’s so nice to have a few extra minutes to get my paddle ready or put on sunscreen instead of struggling with a manual pump.
The Shark 3 will inflate one of our 11’6″ Touring Board to 18 PSI in a little over 5 minutes and this time has been consistent for the countless times we have used it over the year.
Rechargeable Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Outdoor Master Shark 3 is its rechargeable battery. This pump runs on a built-in battery and Outdoor Master claim can inflate three to four SUPs on a single charge, depending on the size of the boards. In my experience inflating our touring boards to 20 PSI it is more like two SUPs with enough juice left to extract air or half inflate a third.
This is more than enough for us, especially if you’re inflating just your own board. The only downside is the battery takes a long time to charge using a standard USB outlet and I usually charge the Shark overnight. I find a full charge takes somewhere between 6-8 hours from a fully depleted battery. This only causes a problem when I go away wild camping touring Scotland as I don’t trust my car battery having a pump charging off it all night due to it being rather small.
Update June 2025 – I can confirm that if you use a 45W fast charger the Shark 3 will fully charge in around 2 hours and highly recommend you pick one of these up as it makes life so much easier.
If you have a camper with a leisure battery though you will be just fine and I will experiment next summer with solar chargers to see if that works and update this post.
The pump comes with both a charging cable for your car cigarette lighter or USB which is the way we usually charge the power pack.
Real-World Use
In my experience, the battery has been incredibly reliable. I’ve used the Outdoor Master Shark 3 on outings where I’ve inflated two or three boards in one go, and the battery held up just fine. It’s also nice to know I don’t need to charge it every single time if I’m only inflating my own board. Over the months I’ve used it, the battery life hasn’t diminished, which is a good sign of its durability so far.
One thing I will point out is that the pump does require a significant amount of power to drive the pump. This works flawlessly on battery but via the vehicle auxiliary socket I found on my vehicle I needed to have the engine running to get full power.
Without the engine running the pump was not working as hard and inflation time seemed almost treble but as soon as I started the car you could hear a notable change in the pump noise. Even with the engine running though it still takes around twice as long as running off its own internal battery.
This is something that might just be specific to the current delivery of our car auxiliary socket but worth bearing in mind. You also can not use the USB charge port to power the pump while inflating which is important to note!
Noise Level
Now, let’s talk about noise. The OutdoorMaster Shark 3, like any electric pump, isn’t silent. It does make a noticeable sound while it’s running, but in my opinion, it’s certainly not as loud as my previous electric pumps.
If you’re inflating your board in a peaceful setting, you’ll definitely hear it from quite a distance away, so you need to consider your surrounding and other people when inflating. You don’t want to be using any electric pump early hours in the morning or late at night next to people that might be sleeping!
The pump goes through a two-stage inflation process, the first phase is quieter than the second longer phase as the pump works hard to get to those final higher PSI’s. In our testing we measured the noise levels at a 1 meter distance where Stage 1 measured 76dB and Stage 2 measured 84dB.
Overall I think the noise level is pretty standard for a pump of this type and many others on the market are definitely louder.
Key Advantages of the OutdoorMaster Shark 3
Convenience
The main advantage of the Outdoor Master Shark 3 is the sheer convenience it brings to your SUP routine. After months of use, I can confidently say that it has made my outings more enjoyable. Gone are the days of arriving at the water already worn out from inflating my board manually. With the Shark 3, I’m more relaxed and ready to paddle, not exhausted before I even get started.
Two power Sources
This is where a Battery electric pump shines with the convenience of running the pump off its own internal battery or car auxiliary power socket. You have the best of both worlds and was a real game changer for me personally.
Multi-Mode Versatility and Compatibility
Another big plus is the Shark 3’s versatility. The Shark 3 supports three modes, SUP, KITE and MAT making it useful for more than just paddle boards.
The MAT mode (for air mattresses or low-pressure inflatables) bypasses the auto-stop feature and uses only the high-flow motor. For SUP and KITE modes, you can set PSI precisely up to 20.
The Shark 3 comes with 8 nozzle attachments, so it’s compatible with different SUP valves, inflatable kayaks and even boats.
We also use it to inflate our 2-person kayak and even our large camping mattress where it works flawlessly.
Durability and Long-Term Use
After over a year of regular use, I can confidently say the Outdoor Master Shark 3 has held up extremely well. The motor still runs smoothly, the hose and attachments haven’t worn out and the battery remains reliable. I’ve transported this pump in and out of my car, dropped it a few times (oops! And wouldn’t recommend it), taken it on road trips, and it still performs like new.
Any Downsides?
Price Point
At £150, the Outdoor Master Shark 3 isn’t the cheapest pump on the market, but in my opinion, it’s worth every penny.
When you consider the convenience, durability, and the fact that it inflates multiple boards on a single charge, the value becomes clear. However, if you’re a casual paddler who only goes out a few times a year, you might not need such a high-end pump.
Recharge Time
The recharge time is about 5-8 hours, which needs planning in advance, but if you forget to recharge it before an outing, you will run into trouble. It’s not a huge deal as you could just run it off the car battery via cigarette lighter.
Update June 2025 – These tests were carried out by charging on a standard USB outlet socket. We can confirm that the Outdoor Master Shark 3 will fully charge in around 2 hours if you use a 45W fast charger!
Noise Concerns
As mentioned earlier, the pump does make a noise, and is something you need to be aware of and plan for by being mindful of other people and wildlife around you. This unfortunately is the downside of every electric powered SUP pump I have tried and something you just have to live with.
In those rare situations where you need to be quiet then you will just have to use a manual pump!
Comparison to Other Pumps
Manual Pumps vs. Electric Pumps
Having used both manual and electric pumps, I can say without hesitation that the Shark 3 is a huge upgrade in terms of convenience. Manual pumps are fine for the odd trip here and there or if you don’t mind getting a bit of a workout, but for frequent paddlers, an electric pump like the Shark 3 saves so much time and energy. It’s the difference between starting your session already tired and starting fresh and ready to go.
You can read more on different Pump types and the pros and cons of each here Electric vs Manual SUP Pumps
Other Electric Pumps on the Market?
While there are other electric SUP pumps out there, the Outdoor Master Shark 3 stands out for incredibly fast inflation times, its internal rechargeable battery, durability and ease of use. Over the years we have used many different pumps that didn’t feel as well built, have the internal battery for convenience or just lacked the power giving long inflation times.
This is something I’ve come to really love about the Outdoor Master Shark 3 and why we feel if inflation speeds are important to you then it is the best SUP Pump on the market at the moment.
As a brand in our opinion Outdoor Master are now the market leaders in SUP Inflatable Pumps with a larger number of models to meet any paddlers needs.
Who is the Outdoor Master Shark 3 Best For?
The Shark 3 is perfect for a few different types of paddlers:
- Frequent Paddlers: If you’re on the water regularly and want to make the process of inflating your board easier, this pump is for you.
- Group Paddlers: Anyone who often paddles with friends or family and inflates multiple boards will love the time-saving convenience of the Shark 3.
- Casual Paddlers: Even if you only paddle occasionally, the Shark 3 adds a level of ease that makes each outing more enjoyable. It’s especially useful for people who may struggle with manual pumping.
Final Verdict
After a year of using the Outdoor Master Shark 3, I can confidently say that this pump has become an essential part of our SUP routine. It’s convenient, powerful reliable and saves me both time and energy on every outing. Whether you’re a regular paddler like me or just getting into Paddleboarding, the Shark 3 is a fantastic investment that will make your paddling life easier.
Would I buy it again or recommend it to friends? Absolutely!
If you are concerned with battery life and need to inflate more paddle boards in-between charges and don’t mind longer inflation times check out our Outdoor Master Shark 2S Review.
Just a heads-up: This post isn’t sponsored by Outdoor Master. We bought the Shark 3 pump ourselves and use it regularly on our own SUP adventures.
Outdoor Master Shark 3 Now available at SUP Funk
We’ve put the Outdoor Master Shark 3 through months of real-world use and absolutely love it. That’s why, as of July 2025, we’re proud to stock it and offer it directly to the SUP Funk family.
Please note that the Outdoor Master Shark 3 was updated in 2025 Models giving it even faster inflation times, reduced noise and additional connector. All SUP Funks Outdoor Master Shark 3 pumps are the latest models but please check if purchasing from elsewhere.
Still undecided on a reliable way to inflate your SUP? Check out our full range of tested & approved Paddle Board Pumps
If you need any friendly advice feel free to Contact us.
Nigel Waters is a co-founder of SUP Funk Ltd and a dedicated paddle boarder with extensive experience navigating the varied conditions of lakes, rivers, and coastal waters around the UK. As a professional Engineer and Photographer, Nigel brings a unique technical lens to the watersports industry meticulously analysing and testing gear for quality, durability and performance.
Having spent years outdoors, mountain climbing, where equipment reliability is a matter of safety, Nigel applies the same philosophy to every product recommendation and stocked product in their store. SUP Funk is built on a simple promise: we only sell and recommend gear that we personally use and trust. If it hasn’t been tried, tested and vetted by our team in real-world conditions, it doesn’t make the cut.
July 12, 2025 @ 11:04 pm
please tell me what 65 W charger and cable you used to charge the outdoor master shark 3 faster? Did you use the usb to usb c? Did you switch to usb c to usb c? Which charging port?
Thanks.
July 13, 2025 @ 12:30 am
Hi Bodhanaa, the charger we use is a spare USB-C Lenovo ThinkPad 65W Laptop Charger. You can buy these off Amazon for around £10 but any 45W USB-C charger should work. Initially I used a USB power bank which had a max 5A output using a USB to USB-C lead but this didn’t deliver enough power and gave much longer charge times of around 5 hours. Thats the only one I have tried so can’t comment on others. I hope that helps.