Our staff play a hugely important role at the boat centre and we’re proud to have the opportunity to work with so many amazing people from the age of 14 upwards!
A lot of our senior members of staff have been with the company for many years and some even started in their mid teens. We get to watch our staff grow and mature with some training in paddlesports and becoming coaches themselves.
Below is our management team, a brief introduction and what they do here at the boat centre.
Sophie Dollar – Centre Manager 
After starting as deck crew at age 15, Sophie has worked her way up through the ranks, becoming the centre manager at just 20, a brilliant example that age is no limit to what you can achieve when you truly go for it.
When she isn’t hidden away in the office she’s a fierce paddler! Qualified across multiple disciplines as a leader and a coach, Sophie is at the forefront of driving forward Leam’s activities and courses. Such a drive from our fearless leader is what resulted in Leam Boat Centre winning the 2022 British Canoeing Quality Delivery Experience Award.
Leading by example, Sophie is responsible for inspiring many of our young deck crew and clients to get into the world of paddlesports, ushering in the new wave of paddlesport coaches, some who are eager and excited, others she drags in kicking and screaming.
Tom Gamble – Shift Supervisor
Joining LBC as a deck crew at 15, Tom quickly impressed and found himself working through the ranks to become a shift supervisor and coach in no time at all.
Nicknamed “Sgt Major” for his disciplined management of busy weekends, Tom excels when faced with plenty of customers where he is able to talk forever about kit … even if you didn’t ask.
Looking after the shop, social media and promoting boat hire and courses, Tom is forever a busy bee, you will find Tom either hiding in kit store, staring at the social media, bellowing orders across the water whilst running impeccable coaching sessions or leading groups on some of our fantastic white water trips!
Charlie Colledge – Shift Supervisor
Starting as deck Crew at 15 years old, the moment Charlie was placed on the water, he instantly irritated the entire team by becoming one of the most natural paddlers within the team with little to no prior experience.
His 3RD place finish in White Water SUP Fest 2025 on just his first outing (against sponsored paddlers) showed just what a brilliant paddler Charlie is and one to watch to pick up those impressive skills. As a Touring Leader, you will have the opportunity to watch Charlie as he leads you on some wonderful rivers, eagerly showing off his natural skills.
Recently becoming a shift supervisor and maintenance manager, Charlies “can do attitude” and expertise with duct tape is what literally holds the boats and the centre together. As Charlie states, his problem solving skills are good, his problem making skills are excellent.