About

The Book:

‘Saltwater Stoke” is a passionate exploration of humanity’s intrinsic connection to the ocean. It traverses the liminal spaces between scientific understanding and spiritual reverence, between personal narrative and collective responsibility. The book is an invitation to recognize the ocean not just as a vast blue expanse, but as a vital part of our lives; physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

In the vast blue expanse of our planet lies an element that is at once familiar and mysterious: the ocean. “Saltwater Stoke” is an invitation to explore this element in a way you’ve never done before, not just as a place, but as a journey, a character, and a reflection of ourselves.

Discover the therapeutic powers of the ocean that have calmed the restless and healed the wounded. Uncover the scientific marvels that make the sea a cornerstone of ecological balance. Delve into the cultural lore that has revered water as the essence of life. And confront the stark reality of our current environmental crisis, a crisis that “Saltwater Stoke” addresses with urgency and hope.

With the turn of each page, St James not only captures the stoke—the pure joy of being in and near the ocean—but also ignites a passion to protect its splendour. This book is a rallying cry for conservation, a lyrical memoir of maritime love, and a guide to the soulful benefits of ocean stewardship.

Will you answer the ocean’s call?

The Author:

Alex St James is an explorer of both the maritime world and the human spirit. With a life as deep and wide as the ocean he cherishes, Alex’s journey has seen him build bridges between his passion for maritime science and engineering and his commitment to environmental stewardship. As a seasoned veteran in financial services, his expertise has fortified insurance and reinsurance companies across continents. Yet, it’s the call of the sea that resonates through his most profound work. Now, as a Naval Architecture master’s student at Newcastle University, Alex is dedicated to steering the maritime industry towards a greener horizon. When not immersed in the study of air bubble lubrication for ships or advocating for ocean conservation, you might find him riding the waves, indulging in his lifelong love of surfing, or enjoying the tranquillity of England’s southern shores with his family and their two faithful dogs. Alex’s voice is not just one of authority but also one of passion—a siren call to protect the waters that cradle our planet.