# DD3 Albatross

> Surfski by DD3, out of production. Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/dd3-albatross/
> Cite as: DD3 Albatross, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/dd3-albatross/ (checked 2026-10-15). Terms: https://surfskiindex.com/using-our-data/

## Specifications
- Length: 6.48 m
- Beam: 44 cm
- Deck height: 33.5 cm (estimated)
- Layup weights: Standard (Fibreglass) 14.5 kg, Innegra 13 kg, Maxi (Carbon) 12 kg, Super Maxi (Full Carbon) 11 kg
- Usually paddled by: Confident ocean paddlers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 5–7 out of 10 (dimension estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 8 out of 10.

Modelled from published beam, length and deck height. Low confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight.

These ratings are Surfski Index estimates, worked out from published dimensions, traced hull shapes where we have them, and reviews. They are not supplied by the maker or timed on the water. How a ski feels depends on your weight, skill, set-up and the conditions, so use them to shortlist skis and paddle one before you buy. Method: https://surfskiindex.com/how-it-works/#limits

Evidence note: This band is estimated from published dimensions. Qualitative context includes 2 paddler reports and 3 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 80–93 kg, broader estimated guide 65–97 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
All-round ocean racing plus marathon/river racing (e.g. Hawkesbury); flat to moderate ocean water

## Hull
Full-volume, 44cm-wide all-round ocean-racing hull with dimensions comparable to an Epic V10, balancing race speed with enough secondary stability for bigger or heavier paddlers (70-105kg). Long 6.48m waterline gives good glide and marathon/downwind pace.

## What works
- Fast full-volume V10-class hull with proven race wins
- Extra volume/stability suits larger paddlers (70-105kg)
- Long 6.48m waterline glides well in marathons and downwind

## Trade-offs
- Discontinued; no current dealer support or spares
- Boutique brand – very limited resale, none outside Australia
- Advanced-level stability, not a beginner ski

## Generations
- ~2011-2018 (discontinued): (discontinued) Full-volume advanced ocean racer, dimensionally close to an Epic V10 (44cm x 6.48m). DD3 marketed it as the fastest ski on the market; it was first across the line at the 2011 Hawkesbury Classic marathon and reportedly beat a Carbonology Atom in that event. Superseded in DD3's later catalogue; brand site now offline.

## What paddlers say
- surfski.info (2011): 'Hadn't heard of this ski until told it was first ski across the line at the Hawkesbury race... A quick look at the website where it claims to be the fastest ski on the market!... Interesting that it beat a Carbonology Atom in this event' (AR_convert/Brett McDonald). Another member reports it looked competitive with Vajda and Nelo skis in a Reef-race sprint.
- surfski.info spec discussion: 'similar in dimensions to an Epic V10, 44cm wide and 6.48m long,' Carbon Maxi build ~12kg.

## Sources
- https://surfski.info/forum/19-boats/8387-dd3-albatross.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20200307045254/https://www.dd3.com.au/albatross
- https://surfski.info/forum/19-boats/18846-surfski-width-x-length-chart-july-2025.html

## Prices
Current new prices and dealers: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/dd3-albatross/#buy