My final day in America included a brush with fame. Sitting at the bar of the Fairmont, Mirimar Hotel in Santa Monica, I was ripped away from my coffee and paper by the sound of “Conan” quads stomping through the foyer. I glanced right and there was Arnie Schwarzenegger, striding towards a sit-down with his wife Maria Shriver; his mind obviously ticking over ways of explaining those multiple indiscretions. “ I’m sorry honey, I lied.”

It would be easy to make this up, but I assure you it went down. When the former Mr Universe and Californian Governor made his exit, I requested a photo; he squeezed my hand in a surprisingly gentle shake and said, “ Not right now.” Rather than be rag-dolled through the foyer by he or his security guard, I politely accepted the refusal.

Arnie has closer links to the surfing world than many realise.

In his first major role as “Conan the Barbarian” Arnie’s sidekick had been played by none other than Gerry Lopez. Only the day before I’d watched Gerry take part in what is probably the world’s biggest Stand Up Paddle Board event, at Dana Point San Clemente.

After the celebrity encounter it was time to escape a hotel foyer that dripped with wealth [I was the scruffy looking Aussie, staying courtesy of California tourism] and get out amongst the people. The waves were small, so I headed straight to Venice beach, where a festival was being hosted on Abbot Kinney street.

For those with an appreciation of all walks of life, Venice is one of the best people watching places in the world, and the festival only served to make the kaleidoscopic view of humankind more intense.

Words and photos: Luke Kennedy