Performance Sit On Top Shootout!

Thanks for joining us for our first ever Performance Sit On Top Shootout! As promised here are the stats and links for all the kayaks we reviewed.
Wilderness Tarpon 140
$1289
14’ x 28”
68lbs
375 capacity
Swell Scupper 14
$1249
14.1’ x 25.5”
64lbs
390lbs
Eddyline Caribbean 14
$1949
14’x 29”
50lbs
350lb capacity
Stellar S-14S
$3295
14.4 x 24.65”
34lbs
320lbs capacity
Swell Scupper 14 Review: • Swell Scupper 12 vs. S...
Eddyline Caribbean FS Walkthrough: • First Look: Eddyline C...
Find more info from the manufacturers websites here:
Scupper 14 - swellwatercraft.com/product/s...
Tarpon 140 - www.wildernesssystems.com/us/...
Caribbean 14 - eddyline.com/products/caribbe...
S14S - www.stellarkayaksusa.com/S14S...
0:00 Intro
2:57 Swell Scupper 14
5:42 Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140
12:47 Eddyline Caribbean 14FS
19:14 Stellar S14S G2
25:27 Venturi Scuppers
27:15 Final Thoughts
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[@lindawilliams4581]

I have owned a stellar s14s for three plus years after owning Wilderness system. My stellar s14s is absolutely awesome!!! I the over-the-top rudder and use it around the Chesapeake Bay estuaries. The best money I ever spent

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That’s awesome to hear. Would you mind sharing your height and weight just for reference?

[@LJ-jq8og]

It sounds awesome. I just wish I had a safe place to store one. If I had a safe place I would definitely buy it. However I think I'm gonna end up test driving the sea eagle razor like 393. Supposedly their highest performance. The reason I need it is it completely folds up.

[@thomaswalsh7154]

Interesting comparison. I started kayak fishing from a OK prowler 15 (very similar dimensions to that Tarpon), when I first got it I thought it paddles well, and then I brought a Stealth Fisha 550 on clearance. Compared to the stealth, the prowler 15 feels like a barge to paddle, nothing performance about it. I then liked paddling so much that I brought myself a used Stellar SE, and that thing was scary, but once I got my confidence up it made the Stealth feel like a super stable barge. . It just glides through the water. Then someone convinced me to try a used Vajda Supersonic, and on my first paddle I kept capsizing, and on my second paddle, I crashed into a pier and damaged the bow. So I had to keep it. After a year or so in the Vajda, even the Stellar feels a bit sluggish now. The Vajda is just a pure paddling machine and super fun to surf on river waves. Although, there is not much speed difference between the SE and Vajda. So the point of this drawn-out story, well the best way to make a slightly tippy boat feel super stable is to learn to paddle an extremely unstable boat. Also, I love the look of the Swell Scupper 14, it was the first sit-on-top I have seen in a long time that has gotten me excited. Seems like a good sit-on-top for camping and diving from.

[@user-sm4ib3kf7h]

Guys, I'm really enjoying your videos. I'm 66 and have just retired to the west coast of Scotland, sea at the bottom of the garden. My son has recently taken me out on his sit ontop Kayak, and I haven't stopped smiling. I'm now looking to buy my own, and your videos comparing different Kayaks are a huge help. Thanks.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That’s great! Would love to see some pictures of your adventures. Sounds like a cool area you get to explore. Watch some of our kayaking 101 and 102 videos

[@jordanpquw5361]

I got an ocean kayak scupper pro last fall. It's a blast in the ocean and tracks like a dream.

[@TomDeBoeser]

I love the new videos, very nicely produced and they look awsome.

[@Olympic_TryAthlete]

I have an older version of the Swell Scupper 14 -- before the new plastic from Vagabond. The new kayaks are a 10% weight savings. With that said, I've been very pleased with it. I kayaked across Hood Canal from Scenic Beach to Pleasant Harbor and it took me only an hour one way -- and that was with taking plenty of time to get video along the way. On the way back, the wind picked up and the waves did their best to batter me. Boat handled it very nicely. In the cold waters of the PNW, having a sit-on-top like this is really nice. I have to purposely throw myself in the drink, but getting back on the boat is not difficult for me at all, although if one has to haul more weight out of the water, they may want the aid of a paddle float.

[@melissajennings8999]

Thank you SO much for this! I recently moved and my sit in kayak doesn't cut it here most of the year. I now live in TN near Ocoee, Nantahala & Hiawassee Rivers & can now get a new one & head out!

[@CalebSmyth]

I love that S14S. Such a fun boat to paddle.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

For sure!

[@Salamander407]

I love my tetra 12 kayak very stable not too big not too small. Tracks well. And very comfortable. Also got the 14 ft RPM Disco, incredible speed for a 14 ft sit on top kayak. Nice vid

[@billb3374]

I can't get out today because of work and weather so I'll live vicariously through you.

[@leemp337]

Dan, glad you're back! your my favorite kayak reviewer. it's been a couple of years since your best yaks under 1000 and under 500. how about some new videos for under 1200/600 to account for inflation.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Sounds like a plan.

[@Kimba117]

Hi Dan, thanks so much for your videos. I live in central NH and have been paddleboarding all summer on several nearby lakes. I just purchased my first kayak, a Stellar S14S G2. It's coming in early October and I can't wait. I've been learning a lot from your how-to videos. I'm almost 59 and it's never too late for new adventures!!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Amen! Enjoy your new kayak!

[@gloppy101]

Another well done video Dan! I purchased 2 kayaks from your Lodi store years back and always liked the good selection. I'm a Tarpon and OK Prowler/Trident fan for their all around stability and handling, especially in rough water. You demonstrated all of these kayaks very well with showing their differences. Thanks for a very informative look at them. Btw, I don't recognize the area you are paddling. Location?

[@howva]

that last one looked so fun!

[@whitey0o5]

Great video. Exactly what I was looking for. Vega Bond has a pretty sick ones too.

[@razdog76]

Great informative video

[@oscarsantos8939]

Great review!!! So glad to see the Swell Watercraft on the lineup.

[@locomotivebreth1910]

I've owned around 7 different sit on tops and surf skis, My favorite sit on top is the Necky Dolphin (not made anymore). I use it for day paddling and snorkeling / free diving and plan to use it for fishing when I retire, The seat is dry and above the waterline but the foot wells are below the waterline so there is always an inch of water in the foot wells. It is tippier and faster then typical sit on tops due to its "kayak form" and round bottom, It is almost as fast as a sit inside kayak the same length, With the thigh straps I can actually roll it like a sit inside kayak -- but it is also easy to re enter like a sit on top.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That was also my first sit on top. I use to fish off it and surf around the sea caves in Mendocino on it. Really great design with a ton of soul.

[@marcguerino5645]

I'm obsessed with the tarpon. The 120 had been my dream kayak since I started looking at them. Have been using an old town vapor 10 (went with because of budget/ease of transport at the time)for a few years and I do love it. But, I'm tackling more water and I think it's time to get something more capable. Awesome video, didn't even know about most of these models 👌

[@HeadwatersKayak]

The Tarpon is still such a killer design. If you like the performance of a 120, the 140 is going to blow your mind!

[@CalebSmyth]

The 160 is pretty sick too.

[@stardust1621]

@@CalebSmyth Would you say the Tarpon 140 or 160 is well worth it over the eddyline Caribbean? I'm really leaning towards the Caribbean because of the high seat.

[@CalebSmyth]

@@stardust1621 higher seat is nicer for casting from, but for paddling performance I prefer a lower seat.

[@stardust1621]

@@CalebSmyth I appreciate your response and that makes a lot of sense..

[@Internetpilot]

Believe it or not, one of the very best paddling experiences (especially for speed) I've had in a kayak was in my Perception Sport Destiny 120 kayak, which is actually a fishing kayak. That mold originally saw life under the Mad River brand as the Synergy and came in both a 12' and 14' model. This kayak is similar to the Wilderness Tarpon except the bow and stern are far more tapered/pointy and even though it's two layer rotomolded, this kayak does not have scupper holes. It had a very deep cockpit (almost like a sit-inside), so the stability was great. With the tapered bow and stern it was a ridiculously fast paddling kayak. I used to have no trouble keeping up with my friends who were in Hobie Pro Anglers. I put a Wilderness Systems rudder on it and it tracked like an arrow. Unfortunately, when the model moved from Mad River to Perception Sport, they did not carry over the 14' version. I'm sure the 14' one was even better than the 12'. Basically, it was an even better paddle kayak than the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 14. It was originally a $1200, so it was considered midrange kayak, but when it moved to the Perception Sport brand and hit all the sporting goods stores, it was only $450, which is an absolute steal. Unfortunately, it has now been discontinued by Wilderness/Perception/Mad River. I sold mine to buy a larger fishing kayak with a better seat that I could motorize, but I regret selling it. Anyway, sorry to resurrect, but my main point is that when looking at performance kayaks, you definitely can't overlook the fishing models.

[@davebrogan7941]

Hey Dan. So glad I found your channel. The substance of your channel is top notch. A lot of really great info. I’m an amateur yak’er and usually rent but I’m looking to buy. I’ve been leaning towards a Caribbean 12 FS. I live in south Florida near the Everglades and I am looking to up my game with nature/wildlife photography without becoming gator bait! So, looking for the stability of a SOT, and I was drawn to Eddyline after seeing them in REI - fantastic quality and portability. From everything I’ve seen in your videos, I expect to give up some performance/tracking, but these kayaks seem to offer a good balance between stability/performance/tracking. Good choice?

[@billpitkin3259]

Great comparison, thanks! Any updates or other boats you'd add to the mix?

[@matttaylor9385]

Feeling good about my dusty and slightly dented craigslist Tarpon 140!

[@CalebSmyth]

You might be able to pop the dent out by putting a towel on the dent and pouring boiling water onto it.

[@matttaylor9385]

@@CalebSmyth I've tried a few different things with boiling water but I've yet to find a permanent fix. My guess is that this poor thing spent a couple years stored hull down. It still floats and tracks straight enough though!

[@CalebSmyth]

@@matttaylor9385 Right on. Good enough is good enough!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Yes, total classic!

[@slacktide_angler]

Yes! I've wanted to see a shootout of this sit on top class for awhile.. excellent comparo! I do wonder if the s14s can fish..

[@jeffdietrich2903]

Have fished from mine. Little room for storage. Not wanting to permanently alter it, I picked up a RAM ball, suction mount rod holder that fits nicely in front of the footpegs. If I were taller, may be a different story. Small tackle bag leashed to my bottle holder sits below my knees.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’d look at Stealth Kayaks if you want to fish off a surf ski style kayak.

[@slacktide_angler]

@@HeadwatersKayak I'd love one of those, MooMooOutdoors' Fusion is pretty amazing!

[@slacktide_angler]

@@jeffdietrich2903 That sounds perfect. I do have a fishing kayak but if the S14S can carry a single rod so I can bring dinner on my way in from a paddle, it's all I'd want out of something like this.

[@keithmoriyama5421]

Pepdomizmal Pink! That's a good one.

[@dbf_91]

I'd love to see you reviewing any surfski.

[@douglaserickson2866]

Thanks for the channel,I enjoy the content. one question could a 14 Caribbean be rolled with thigh straps?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

No not without super human skills.

[@danlyle4]

Hey Dan, great vid as usual! I know this question doesn't pertain to the kayaks you've reviewed here, but I hope you'll answer it anyway. Is the Crescent Crew the best all round kayak for families? Thinking about getting one for myself and one for my wife. We have a three year old and are hoping for a second child in the near future. Does it paddle ok solo? Thanks!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It’s a solid choice for a family. But two kids I’d be looking at a nice canoe. A Wenonah or Northstar would be on my short list. The Crew is a great place to start.

[@razdog76]

Dan, when will you take a Scupper 14 fishing? I am interested in the Scupper for fishing on Lake Erie, but cannot find anything on how it performs for fishing on big water.

[@skmfkr2]

more info and maybe a video on the pants lol. maybe a full kayak gear video

[@wmichaelgoehring]

Hey Dan, love your reviews, thanks for sharing, quick question, you noted that you were at the end of the foot pegs on the Caribbean, I am 6'4" with a 36 inseam ~220lbs, what would you recommend? demo days are scarce here in the metro Atlanta area., Thanks in advance.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You could still paddle the Eddyline. My buddy is 6’4” long legs and has no issues.

[@gundamfromjapan]

I'm a brand new kayaker..I really love the idea and look of Stellar..live in Tampa Bay near the Gulf so I'd be out to barrier islands and down the coast beaches. The s14s is much wider than the 16 or 18. Despite the wider more newbie friendly entry learning curve I'm concerned that quickly I'd have wished to just get an s18s. Do you think a brand new kayaker like me should just get into the thing I think I'd use long term or the 14 ? Thanks for any advice

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’d jump in the 16’ plenty fast and still stable for a beginner paddler to learn in.

[@litrick5471]

Would love to see a review in the perception tribe because my local kayak shop is selling them and it's in my budget unlike a tarpon 120

[@charlenemorton9260]

I picked up a tribe tandem used and it does great solo. Not as fast as the boats reviewed of course. Check out the Feelfree tandem, wheel and holds more weight.

[@gloppy101]

I have a Perception Triumph 13' and wow, it's becoming my grab and go kayak over my Tarpon 14 and OK Prowler 13. I don't know if Perception still makes it, but it's a great kayak and faster than both the Tarpon and OK. Btw, I had the Tarpon 160 (16') and while it's a beast to cartop at 88lbs, it's a true sot touring kayak. Not made for twisty rivers due to it's length, but touring all day long.

[@ahhsehvez]

Hi Dan, where would you put something like a Hurricane Skipper 116 or 128 in this line up? Currently have a Crescent CK1 and was thinking about adding a Caribbean 12 or Skipper 116/128 for coastal/bay paddling. Thanks for everything you and your team do!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Just remember long is always better when talking coastal paddling. The 128 would be my choice in that lineup.

[@Cjrogg]

I’m looking to purchase the CK1, do you love it? Currently I have a sit in, and the CK is about 20 lbs heavier. Looking for feedback, thanks! Love all of your videos Dan!!

[@imholdenonarope]

I just bought a used Tarpon 100 for $350! Anything I should know about it, or any advice? Been loving the content you put out

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Sweet deal! Enjoy.

[@tgambogi]

I’ve never owned a kayak nor have I paddled one. But I’m in the market for a tandem so I can take my wife along. I am 73 years old, fit as a fiddle and 5 foot eight. Have you ever done a show on tandems? Looking for some counsel.

[@hntrains2]

How did you select them?

[@teamcrooks6913]

Howdy, again! I asked on a different video for your thoughts on the Swell Watercraft’s Scupper 14 and 16. Then found this. Don’t know if the 16 is available yet. I think I might like the 14. Appreciate all your great vids. Thank you. Paddle safely, my Friends!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I have not seen a 16’. We enjoyed our 14’ but it didn’t hold up as well as many of the other kayaks we tested. With that said it was a media boat, so often times we get blems and seconds.

[@teamcrooks6913]

@@HeadwatersKayak Might you elucidate on how it didn't hold up as well? Thank you!

[@papajohnsy6659]

It's not related to any of these kayaks but since this is the newest video I'll ask here. Currently looking for a fishing yak that's budget friendly that I can then sell and upgrade from later. I'm 5'10 210lbs, would a tamarack work until I could upgrade to most likely a litetackle or ck-1?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

For sure. That’s a good place to start your kayak journey.

[@32johnw]

An idea for Dan, would love to see a video on the new Hobie Passport R, vs Passport, vs Compass. Seems like the new R blurs the line and I can’t figure out advantages of one over the other.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I agree, i was scratching my head when I saw that. I’m sure I’ll get to try it at some point.

[@arthudson81]

Hey Dan, thanks for the video. Really enjoyed it. Any thoughts on Stealth as a fishing platform? How come no reviews? Didn't you use to carry them?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I haven’t had access to Stealth in a long time. They deserve to be in this lineup though 100%. I need to find one to review.

[@jeffdietrich2903]

Was also going to suggest a Stealth model, as well as a Viking Profish Reload.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Jeff I’ve been in both, and both would have a place in this video. Just didn’t have one handy to review. If ether company gets in contact with me I’d be more than stoked to work with them.

[@sagishimonovitz]

Dan, thank you for all the informative videos you post For ocean use, which one or ones would you recommend for surf entries and exits, possible 15 knot winds / 4 knot current and 5-10 mile paddles and carrying scuba/free diving gear on? No overnights. Other kayaks to look at? On calm days a dog may or may not come out with us.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

The scupper would be ideal. Other boats are older Ocean Kayak Prowler 15 or Trident 15.

[@sagishimonovitz]

@@HeadwatersKayak thank you. I wasn't sure if the Tarpon or Eddyline would work.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

@@sagishimonovitz Tapon 140 is a fun choice if you can find one too. Ocean Kayaks have more rocker and handle the ocean a little better.

[@sagishimonovitz]

@@HeadwatersKayak thank you again for offering your expertise. Hope Swell finds a West Coast distributor. No place to try them out.

[@sagishimonovitz]

@@HeadwatersKayak thanks again. Found a used one from 2021 last week. Took it out in harbor water and it's a lot of fun. Next it will get into surf for some beach entries and exits after the tropical storm passes next week.

[@genemichael6979]

Help!!! I want the best sturdy kayak for camping with large CARGO capacity and that isn't a sluggish barge monster. Cost is secondary. What would you suggest I look at?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That scupper has a ton of room inside

[@carllamb1565]

Hi Dan, do you have any favorite dry pants and paddling shoes you recommend? Perhaps different ones for both warm and colder seasons? Thanks!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Yes I run the Level Six bibs. I like them to come up a bit so I don't get water down then when I'm wading. I use Astral Watershoes. My favorite is the Lowyak. All my dry pants have feet, so I wear the same shoes summer and winter.

[@carllamb1565]

@@HeadwatersKayak great, thanks! Are there dry tops that reliably pair with that? Im thinking about the difference between a swim during an early Oct paddle and a late March paddle? Or for safety’s sake after ice out should you really go full attached dry suit no questions asked? I can see where this can get expensive…. :-)

[@MadelnMachines]

Do you have anything on performance tandems - sit on tops or closed?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

We do not - that’s a very niche market. I can only think of a couple off the top of my head which are the Eddyline Whisper and the Old Town Looksha T.

[@mikhailfranco]

_Novice recreational paddler warning ..._ How would this advice change for the (calm) sea? I assume sacrifice performance and agility for: - width, buoyancy, secondary stability - higher prow and clean lines - drainage - easy recovery - internal gear/buoyancy chambers So the answer is ..... ?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Hmm, depends on the sea conditions. Generally if you wanted something saltworthy, you don’t want to add a bunch of width. A fast hull is important in the salt because you need to be able to fight currents. Really if you’re moving into the sea, you’d want to lean towards a more traditional sea kayak and less recreational. Something like the Swell Scupper 14, Stealth kayaks, Ocean Kayak Trident, etc would be a really good SOT for the salt. Also Hobie revolution or Old Town Salty if you are looking at pedal drives.

[@rodbrown8306]

First two boats serve there purposes well, Tarpon better for bigger guys, but it's a fishing boat as well.

[@leemp337]

is the Steller Scupper the same as the old Ocean Kayak - 13/15ft Scupper Pro or Scupper Pro TW?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Designed by the same guy Tim Niemier but has been updated and refined.

[@leemp337]

@@HeadwatersKayak thanks homie!

[@MooMooOutdoors]

Oh how I want to try the Swell and Stellar. We should meet up so you can try the Stealth Fusion 480 and I try the Stellar.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Yes that would be awesome!

[@swellwatercraft327]

Hey -I hope you get a chance to paddle and fish the Scupper!!!! Love your videos.

[@gloppy101]

I did a test paddle on the brand new Scupper 14' here in N Cal and wow, it's impressive! It's what I would call a "lively" kayak that responds well to turns, accelerates well, and one can really cover distance with it. The original (not the first gen) Scupper Pro is still an excellent boat, but they are not for bigger paddlers since the seat molded design is small. The new Scupper/Swell is reworked much better.

[@josesirven6862]

What brand, model life jacket are you using?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

In this video I was using an NRS one. But typically I wear a Astral Ronnie.

[@StoneE4]

Those side handles on the Eddyline look like they might be thumb manglers while paddling. Are they recessed enough to not cause problems?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It’s never been a problem. We’ve put lots of folks in them over the years. But try it for yourself if possible.

[@sth8806]

My comment isnt about the kayaks you just reviewed, but rather about a comment you made about bigger people. What are your thoughts on kayaks for bigger people that are 275+? Sit in or sit on? Perception, Pelican, Vibe and Wilderness are what I have found to be best suited. Do you or anyone else have any thoughts or suggestions?

[@CalebSmyth]

What kind of paddling do you want to do? There's big fishing kayaks, some big sea kayaks, and even inflatables that fit bigger people.

[@sth8806]

@@CalebSmyth Mostly recreational down local creeks and lakes. I'm leaning towards fishing kayaks though, do to stability and being bigger than average. I'm open to suggestions though since I'm a beginner.

[@billb3374]

@@sth8806 I think you're going to have to go sit on top. Most of your box store sit ins have a 275 limit. I'm 230 and I'm going to get a sit on top fishing kayak because I'm so close to the limit I can't use it for camping.

[@fisker4jc386]

Also looking for suggestions, 270 lbs fishing type sit on top. Small to moderate size lakes, maybe saltwater bays. What do you think about the ascend? I was also looking into the moken or a vibe model but can't find them in northern Virginia

[@billb3374]

@@fisker4jc386 I've been looking at the lifetime Teton pro it has 350 pound capacity.

[@viktorjohansson5222]

Try a nelo sete

[@jared6622]

Me: Here is your sit on top kayak rental Customer: The seat is wet can I have another Me: 😮‍💨

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Sometimes it’s like that 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@issacidowatheveriwant3039]

Bro make the review with bonifide ex123 if you can fine one and then review vs pungo 12

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I asked but Bonafide said they had no extra kayaks to send out. I’ve paddled it a bunch though. Pungo is a far better recreational kayak. Faster smoother and more capable in the wind. Bonafide is an amazing fishing platform though. Just slower and gets blown around more in the wind. If I was mostly fishing I’d go Bonafide, if I was mostly paddling I go Pungo.

[@johnguth5376]

Noticed they all were top $ kayaks, hmm.

[@Mark--Todd]

I love watching your videos but they always leave me a little sad and frustrated, as they bring home just how poor the choices are here in the UK

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Dang I’m sorry to hear that. I appreciate you watching.

[@judesheckelberg5135]

You violated your kayak entry and exit rules twice by 05:21...entering with the bow on land, then beaching the bow.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Not to worry. I have a permit!

[@judesheckelberg5135]

@@HeadwatersKayak As long as you have a permit.

[@mikecoglione1308]

Stellar boats have uniformly uncomfortable seats and sitting position which is sad because they melt the miles otherwise. I own a few and cannot imagine wanting to do a long paddle in a Stellar boat on account of the terrible seats! The S14 kayak has same hull vs this ski but is easier to get into and out of and especially paddle without flipping because its a sit inside and has a lower center of gravity. I can deal with the S14 G2 (kayak) its not exactly stable either but is more doable. Those extra inches in the air for the ski don't help stability at all. I get it that they say its easier to get into and out of but anything that tippy you have to be a gymnast to succeed in rescue regardless better to stay low (sit inside) and avoid flipping over. I prefer the skeg in my G2. Boat loses a lot of maneuverability but it tracks extremely straight. Without it boat is almost uncontrollable, night and day difference. Another reason I wouldn't want to take it on a long trip for want of a nail you would be in trouble without the skeg! In that regard the S12 which feels a little less stable and is quick in its own right, but not nearly as fast as the 14, is better as it doesn't require one. Still uncomfortable unfortunately!