Mechanic

The Ponoi camp has become as famous as the fishing that it accesses. Many guests who come to the ponoi for the first time marvel at the standard of service, facilities and food quality that come together in this true wilderness location. A combination of long-serving, well-trained Russian and Western staff makes up an impressive and proud, service-orientated, in-camp team. The camp enjoys the luxury of no less than four mechanics and four chefs, as well as many other equally important back-up staff who ensure that the camp is clean and working effectively at all times. It is the attention to detail in camp, as well as the logistics of piecing together supplies from as far away as the US and UK through to Helsinki, St Petersburg and Murmansk that makes this operation great - we are truly proud of our team.


	Genia Flidner - Mechanic Genia celebrated his tenth season in camp in 2001, and is our longest serving staff member. After a career as an engineer on trawlers and oilrigs, which inevitably meant a lot of time out of Russia, Genia decided to spend a bit more time on dry land! When you have a hot shower (or use the flush loos!) Genia is the man to thank, having not only installed the plumbing but also designed and built the building as well. Always in search of somebody to have a complicated discussion with, he is well known to all our repeat clients.

	Sasha Klachkov - Mechanic Sasha, who comes from a village close to St Petersburg, is the ultimate craftsman. If he decides to do anything you can guarantee it is completed in an exemplary fashion. Often if he sees something that he thinks needs to be done he will just get on with it without a word. Although a quiet, reserved man, Sasha enjoys a good party and is no slouch on the dance floor! Once autumn comes his spotlessly tidy room will be festooned with drying mushrooms. Sasha is a direct descendant of King Louis XlV ‘The Sun King’ of France.

	Boris Machnev - Boat Mechanic Boris is a living legend and a classic Ponoi character. Always ready with a joke or an appropriate phrase, a day with Boris is always remembered for so much more than just the fish. Boris retired from guiding after the 2006 season but will return to camp to ensure your day on the river will be unhindered by mechanical problems- and to hopefully provide the humour and good times we love him so much for.

	Sergei Shemyakin - Mechanic After several years as a general helper, Sergei has found his true calling as the camp barman. Though his skills behind the bar were truly impressive, his mechanical skills proved more necessary in camp. He will be serving this season as a full mechanic, where he planns to keep the camp and equipment in top order.

	Sergei Soriadov - Mechanic Sergei is Valera's son-in-law and his parents live in the village of Sasnovka, about 40 km south of the camp. He is the man responsible for all of our wood, whether it is the stuff that you burn in your tents every evening or the planks that the new shower building is made out of. When he is not operating the sawmill or the log splitter, Sergei can normally be found welding one of the guide's boats! He is a truly talented welder and has held us together on numerous occasions.

	Styopa Chuprov - Mechnic New to Ryabaga is Styopa Chuprov, who served formerly as Purnache caretaker. Styopa hails from Kanevka, and brings to camp a particular knowledge of wood processing and sawmill use. He is eager to broaden his skill set, and intends to learnwelding and metal fabrication from the seasoned members of the Ryabaga crew.