DD3 · Surfski · Out of production
DD3 Albatross
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.
- Length
- 6.48 m
- Beam
- 44 cm
- Deck
- 33.5 cm
- Lightest
- 11 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 6.48 m
- Beam
- 44 cm
- Deck height
- 33.5 cm (est.)
- Category
- Surfski
- Skill level
- advanced
- New price
- A$3,600
Layup weights
On-water profile
Both scores are rated at the hull's own design weight. How these are derived.
Suits: All-round ocean racing plus marathon/river racing (e.g. Hawkesbury); flat to moderate ocean water
Paddler weight
This hull is built around a paddler of about 105 kg. It stays workable from 92 kg to 111 kg, and sits at its best between 98 kg and 107 kg.
Derived from published hull dimensions and calibrated against manufacturer paddler limits, not taken from a marketing range. The method, in full.
Generations
(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 Superseded in DD3's later catalogue; brand site now offline.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 works, and what it costs you
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
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.Reported experience
surfski.info spec discussion: 'similar in dimensions to an Epic V10, 44cm wide and 6.48m long,' Carbon Maxi build ~12kg.Reported experience
Where to buy
The Albatross is out of production. It turns up on the second-hand market; there is no new-boat channel for it.
Maker closed DD3 is no longer trading. dd3.com.au has no nameservers at any public resolver and the site behind it is gone, so the Magnum has no live sales channel.
Nobody sells DD3 new. The second-hand market is the only channel.
Australian-made, AU-only distribution. DD3 layup pricing (2011-2012): Economy/Standard ~13.5-14kg ~AUD $3,300, Maxi (carbon) ~12kg ~$4,300, Super Maxi (full carbon) ~$5,300. Base composite estimated ~AUD $3,600. Now discontinued.
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