Young Journalist Award > 2005 Senior Division Winner

THE BEAT GOES ON

Adam Horstmann, Sacred Heart College Senior, Adelaide, SA

He was young, talented, and had everything at his feet. He's now gone but his spirit remains in the memory of anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him. He was a son, a brother, a ladies man, a surfer, an athlete, and a great mate, and in reality deserved all those attributes. Born on the 4th February 1986, Nick Peterson lived every day of his life as if it were his last.

Growing up in Ardrossan on the eastern coast of the York Peninsula he learned much from his mother and father Phil and Leonie, about life, the ocean and girls! Learning how to surf at the early age of three, and catching on quickly, Nick was soon aware of the peacefulness and tranquility of surfing. As a boy he would go down to the local beach and carve up some waves with Phil and his little brother Kristian, showing much promise and like his father would become a great surfer.

He started to board at Sacred Heart College Senior in 2001 and fitted in straight away. Although always having fun, he knew when to listen and learn (sometimes). Near the end of 2001 he met Sara Horstmann, a girl who was like him in many ways. Sara and Nick or 'Beato' as he was known to his friends, fell in love and started dating. He soon became a regular housemate at the Horstmann residence and was considered a part of the family. Having a second family while living in Adelaide really helped him get through some rough times. After finishing his three fun-filled years at Sacred Heart Senior he often pondered what to do with the rest of his life, maybe become a pilot, or travel the world surfing with friends. As long as he was near water he was a 'happy chappy'. As a means of earning some extra cash he and some friends started doing labor jobs, paving sidewalks in their spare time.

On the hot afternoon on December 16th 2004, he knocked off work and drove down to West Beach with three of his mates Adam Floreani, Tye Wheeler, and Andrew Tomlin. He was tragically taken by two white pointers 150m off West Beach Surf Life Saving Club. From that point on those who knew him were forever changed. Days later a memorial was held where hundreds gathered and paid their final respects to Nick. Parents Phil and Leonie told of 'an accomplished stuntman' who was 'raised on a diet of super heroes, extreme sports and action films', a 'push-button boy' who had a knack with everything electrical and to do with computers. They spoke proudly of how lucky they were to have shared in the 18 years of their son's life.

On that day a one million dollar appeal was launched in of Nick, dedicated to raising money to establish safer beaches so that an event like this would never happen again. Parties were held, fundraisers, anything to help raise money for Nick's cause.

Despite calls that the shark should be hunted down and destroyed, nothing of the sort has occurred. Nick's father Phil was adamant that this should not happen. Although what had happened was terrible and cannot be ignored, killing the shark was out of the question. 'We acknowledge that the sea is in fact the shark's domain and we don't, and I certainly personally don't, advocate the indiscriminate killing of any shark. The government should electronically tag sharks known to inhabit metropolitan beaches, rather than kill the offending shark,' Phil stated.

Nick is an inspiration to us all, he was when he was with us and he still is today. Beato will remain in the hearts of those who loved him, and we know that he is where he loved to be the most, in the cool water of the ocean. Travelling the world catching some waves.

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