The Lambers Brothers

In The Wild: The Lambers Brothers

The Lambers brothers, Anton (SKC 2007), Eric (SKC 2009) and Leo (SKC 2013) live out our saying ‘Learning, Family and Fullness of Life’.

When COVID squashed plans for overseas adventure, Leo, Eric and Anton, realised an equally thrilling journey was literally here at home. Using determination and strength, the three brothers crossed perhaps one of Australia's most treacherous ocean stretches, Bass Strait. All three were once part of the extensive OAP Leaders Program and were well trained to examine a challenge, assess the resources, plan an outcome and execute it well. As they had never ocean kayaked before, the trio had a training routine before setting off from Victoria’s Tidal River on Wilson’s Promontory and paddlng the 340 kilometres to Tasmania.

Navigating the open waters over the 19day journey, they hopped 11 islands, many of them remote and uninhabited. Weeks of planning were involved ,considering every contingency and weather type, pushing themselves and their vessels to the limit. Armed with an Epirb and a beacon each, dehydrated food and camping gear, the brothers set off The brothers had a combined skillset for success. Along with Leo's medical background, Anton is an orthopaedic specialist who also had invaluable medical knowledge, while Eric, a civil engineer brought a logistical, problem-solving mindset to the group.

They encountered many challenges, including seasickness, cramps, aching muscles and hands, but the biggest battle was one of wills: a situation that the Kevinians themselves say St Kevin’s equipped them well for.

Worries gave way to awe when they were treated to nature's spectacle. The places they saw, such as arriving at sunset at a beautiful deserted white beach, changed their mindset instantly. The remoteness was beautiful in its own right.

While on the trip, the tents were under a vast night sky peppered with stars. On Roydon Island, off the north-west coast of Flinders Island, they located a hut which was serendipitous, as they stayed seven days on the tiny island. stir-crazy. The activity was to walk the three kilometres around the island. Like scenes from ‘Castaway’ they had a little volleyball called Wilson and left him at Roydon's hut.

Excited to see the end on the final day, they could see land but knew five hours paddling was ahead in a treacherous crossing called the Banks Strait. Instead, they happened upon a beautiful spectacle as nature's grand finale. Four kilometres offshore, a pod of 30 dolphins came by. It was genuinely beautiful; they were jumping out of the water next to the kayak. Seeing those dolphins right at the end made the whole trip quite magical, they recall.

19 days after leaving Tidal River, the Lambers brothers reached Little Musselroe Bay on the northern tip of Tasmania, aching and exhausted, but triumphant and relieved — as, no doubt, were their parents. Their respect for the College and its many opportunities is obvious when you hear them. All three suggest that no matter what your interest, SKC has something for you to excel in and be the best you can. Anton was Dux (shared) a Prefect and an OAP Leader. Eric was Proxime Accessit, a Prefect and an OAP Leader. While not to be outdone youngest Leo received an Academic Excellence Award, House Captaincy, was made an OAP Leader with Full Colours and received Full Colours for Squash. They all have been involved in running Old Collegians events and visiting the College. Leo even co-founded the Old Collegians Hockey Club – Kevinians through and through.