http://galvestondailynews.com/story/265990
This happened yesterday at our local spot. He was kiting not windsurfing. I was not there since the wind was NNW/NW which is off shore. The spot is off of a levee that sits up about 20-30ft above the water. It runs north and south and the water is to the east. NW winds are frontal and gusty to begin with add the lay of the land and it becomes even worse.
From what I heard the man was trying to launch his kite and somehow his kite started looping. He got dragged across a cinder block mesh followed by some rocks that are in front of the water to keep erosion down. He was airlifted out there. My understanding it was a very bad accident.
The Texas City Levee is one of the safest places in the world to kite in most conditions. It is shallow and makes for a very safe place to learn. It is very open with lots of room to get away from the crowd. But in the wrong conditions the rocks and gusts become serious hazards. This just shows you how being complacent in your abilities or not understanding how the land effects wind can be dangerous. From the sound of it he was probably new or just learning. He may or may not have had lessons.
I'll keep you posted as I hear anything else.