How to read ISK figures

This page gathers the scoring rules, diagram conventions, and vocabulary used to read and judge ISK compulsory figures. Keep it handy while you browse figures by discipline: it is a reading reference, not an introduction.

Each compulsory figure is given a single score for the entire figure, from the IN call to the OUT call. The score reflects how closely the flown figure matches the diagram and satisfies the other judging criteria.

The compulsory figure diagram defines the size, shape, and location of each compulsory figure within the precision grid.

The explanations attached to each figure may clarify components, add remarks, or list additional skills that the compulsory is meant to test. They are not meant to describe the figure in exhaustive detail.

Wind window: The wind window is the area within the roughly semi-circular plane described by the greatest height a kite can reach at every angle in front of a stationary flier. The size of the window is limited by the ground, the length of the flying line, the speed of the wind, the skill of the flier, and the flight characteristics of the kite or kites.

Center window: The center of the wind window is directly downwind from the flier and halfway to the top of the wind window at that location.

Precision grid: The backdrop for each figure is a grid used as a reference for its correct size, shape, and location. The figures are drawn on a grid 100 units high and 200 units wide. In sub-optimal conditions, some of the precision grid may be outside the wind window unless the flier moves back during the figure.

Position within the precision grid: The location of the entire compulsory figure in the precision grid. All figures are intended to be flown and placed as shown in the diagrams.

Relative placement of components: The alignment of components within a figure. Proportions, angles, traverses, and turning points should be executed in relation to each other so the flight path matches the diagram.

Turns: Crisp changes of flight direction. If a change of direction is not intended to be a turn, it is described as an arc or curve.

Lines: All lines are straight unless otherwise noted.

Horizontal line: A line flown parallel to the horizon.

Vertical line: A line flown perpendicular to the horizon.

Parallel lines: Lines that remain an equal distance apart everywhere.

Launching: The transition of a kite from a stationary position on the ground into flight. Control during launch and stability after launch are the key judging aspects.

Landing: A controlled stop on the ground. A nose-first crash is not a landing.

Leading-edge landing: A controlled landing where all of one leading edge meets the ground along its full length.

Two-point landing: For delta-shaped kites, a controlled landing on both wingtips at the same time. Examples include snap two-point landing, stall two-point landing, and spin two-point landing.

Belly landing: A controlled stop on the kite’s front, bridle side, with the nose pointing away from the pilot.

Arc: A change of flight direction that follows part of the circumference of a circle.

Ground pass: Horizontal flight close to the ground.

Nose: The forward-most part of the kite in forward flight. Coordinate positions in diagrams are given for the nose unless otherwise indicated.

Stall / stop: The kite comes to an obvious momentary stop.

Push stall: A stall that stops the kite without changing its orientation.

Snap stall: A stall that stops the kite and brings it into a nose-up orientation in one motion.

Axel: A 360° flat spin rotation with the front of the kite parallel to the ground.

Speed control: For individual figures, maintaining constant speed. For pair and team figures, also managing relative velocity between kites.

Spacing: For pair and team figures, the uniform distance maintained between kites.

Circle: A continuous arc ending at the same point as it began.

Synchronicity: For pair and team figures, kites executing manoeuvres or reaching points at precisely the same time.

Diagonal flight: Straight diagonal flight with constant kite orientation.

Inverted flight: Flight in any direction with the nose pointed down.

Backward flight: Flight in the opposite direction from the direction the nose is pointing.

Forward flight: Flight in the direction the nose is pointing.

Rotation / spin: Rotation around a designated part of the kite, usually the center or one wingtip.

Slide: Horizontal or vertical movement across the window while keeping the kite orientation fixed.

Inverted slide: Horizontal movement across the window with the nose pointing down.

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Last updated Jul 28, 2026