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
- Usually paddled by
- Confident ocean paddlers
- New price
- A$3,600
Layup weights
On-water profile
Modelled from published beam, length and deck height. Low confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight.
Stability here means how steady the ski feels sitting still on flat water. Where two craft have overlapping ranges, we can't say which is more stable. Downwind handling is a separate thing, covered in the evidence note below.
Evidence note
Suits: All-round ocean racing plus marathon/river racing (e.g. Hawkesbury); flat to moderate ocean water
Paddler weight
The estimated sweet spot is 80–93 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 65–97 kg. This estimate is a guide, not a limit. Seat fit, conditions and paddling style matter. Lighter paddlers can still enjoy a larger hull, especially downwind. A test paddle is the best check.
Estimated from hull dimensions using a formula fitted to makers’ own paddler limits. It does not establish the designer’s intended paddler weight. How this is worked out.
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 Superseded in DD3's later catalogue; brand site now offline.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
Gallery
Where to buy
The Albatross is out of production. You can only buy it second-hand.
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.
DD3 is no longer made, so second-hand is the only option.
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.