Join the Competition

Are you currently enrolled in architecture, interior architecture, or landscape architecture program?

Florida International University opens its doors to students from U.S. and international universities to compete in the annual Walk on Water competition. The competition consists of designing and constructing floatable shoes that can be walked across Green Lake—a distance of about 350 feet!

Have questions or want to receive more information?

Contact the Walk on Water team

About Walk On Water

For 32 years, FIU Architecture students have participated-in and celebrated Walk on Water, a race founded and orchestrat­ed by Professor Jaime Canaves. Each student designs and constructs shoes that will allow him/her to walk the length of the Green Lake at the heart of FIU’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus.

Since 2016, FIU has opened the Walk on Water competition to students from across the country. Students from the University of Florida and Palm Beach State College have competed with FIU students for scholarships and were granted travel awards from our main sponsor, CGI Windows & Doors. In addition to the standard race awards, Walk on Water has awarded graduate assis­tant scholarships, travel scholarships for study abroad programs, and 1st place awards.

The event occurs every November with approximately 50 students participating in the race. A favorite activity of the Fall Semester, Walk on Water is attended by students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and media who watch with excitement as they cheer for the winners – and for the ones who fall in! Media and press outlets cover the event nationally and internationally.

Day of the Event

Thursday. November 3rd, 2022

10:30am-11:00am | Participant Check-In:
East side of Green Lake,
FIU Modesto A. Maidique Campus,
11200 SW 8 ST, Miami FL 33199.

11:30am-12:30pm | RACE BEGINS!

12:45pm-3:00pm | Reception
Paul L. Cejas Architecture Building (PCA)
Courtyard & BEA Gallery

Students at the walk on water competition

About the Competition

Design Problem

To design and build a pair of floating footgear that enables the wearer to “walk on water.”

The Event

Walk on Water is a competitive event in the style of a marathon race. Participants are positioned at the East side of the FIU Green Lake and “walk” across to the finish line at its West corner, a distance of 275 ft.

Architecture, interior architecture and landscape architecture students enrolled in Professor Jaime Canaves’ Materials & Methods of Construction course participate in the Walk on Water event as a class assignment. Students from other universities are also invited to participate in one race. FIU class students will participate in the FIU only race, and only a select number of them will be eligible to participate in the other race. $1,000 will go to the team or participant who crosses the finish line with the fastest time without falling into the water.

The Rules

  1. Foot gear are to be designed, constructed & piloted by the participant or teammate.
  2. Forward motion needs to be as similar to the act of walking as possible. No other power source is acceptable.
  3. Mechanical devices or attachments will be acceptable to assist in traction, but not to generate power.
  4. Attachments for balance can be provided as long as they are part of the foot gear.
  5. Functionality, creativity, aesthetics, craftsmanship and economics will be considered in the criteria.
  6. Shoes must be attached to feet.
  7. No sails or helium balloons.
  8. Shoes cannot have metal, sharp edges, or any material that creates a safety hazard.
  9. All Styrofoam or similar materials must be covered or protected against breakage.
FIU students hold up sponsorship check for Walk on Water competition

Sponsorship

Walk on Water is made possible thanks to the generous contributions and support from our sponsors. The fund raising efforts of this marquee annual event have a direct and significant impact on the lives of FIU students.

Thank you for your support.

Request Sponsorship Information

  • Title Sponsor | $25,000+
    • Name branding (Title Sponsor Name Walk on Water) in all references.
    • Product demonstrations and display opportunities on-site during event and reception (staffing provided by company).
    • Additional co-branding and co-marketing opportunities as agreed upon by sponsor and FIU.
    • Company giveaways and handouts distributed throughout the event (materials provided by company).
    • Recognition during verbal remarks by FIU President and Dean.
    • Recognition during award ceremony and photo opportunity with award winners.
    • Category exclusivity.
    • (4) VIP priority seating at the Green Lake.
    • Complimentary parking for 4 vehicles at the PG-6 Parking Garage + benefits below.
  • Platinum Sponsor | $15,000+
    • Company giveaways and handouts distributed throughout the event (materials provided by company).
    • Recognition during verbal remarks.
    • Recognition during award ceremony and photo opportunity with award winners.
    • Category exclusivity.
    • VIP priority seating at the Green Lake available upon request.
    • Complimentary parking at the PG-6 Parking Garage available upon request.
    • VIP reserved seating during ceremony and reception at the BEA Gallery available upon request + benefits below.
  • Gold Sponsor | $10,000+
    • Category exclusivity.
    • Recognition during opening remarks and awards ceremony.
    • VIP priority seating at the Green Lake available upon request
    • Complimentary parking at the PG-6 Parking Garage available upon request.
    • VIP reserved seating during ceremony and reception at the BEA Gallery available upon request + benefits below.
  • Silver Sponsor | $5,000+
    • VIP priority seating at the Green Lake available upon request.
    • VIP reserved seating during ceremony and reception at the BEA Gallery available upon request +.
  • Bronze Sponsor | $2,500+
    • VIP priority seating at the Green Lake available upon request + benefits below
  • Shoe Sponsor | $500+
    • Company logo displayed in all print and e-mail campaigns by FIU, the FIU Alumni Association, State of Florida professional design organizations, and local civic clubs (approximate circulation to 60,000+).
    • Company logo prominently displayed on floor decals and banners at FIU for 2-3 weeks prior (approximate impact of 50,000+).
    • Company logo on signage and t-shirts + benefits.

Our Sponsors

  • FIU Next Fifty
  • FIU School of Architecture
  • Kingspan Logo
  • AIAS Logo
  • Hero & Rose Logo
  • Berenblum Busch Architects
  • MIA Beer Logo
  • The Salty Logo
  • DRC Logo
  • AIA Miami
  • Palm Beach State College Logo
  • Night Owl Cookies Logo

Your gift counts!

Cash donations go to student scholarships, travel awards, materials, and event expenses. Gift-in-Kind donations reward students and bring together alumni, community members, and the university at large in supporting talented students. Media sponsors help engage the local and national community to show what is happening at FIU as well as inspiring creative thinking and design. Give a one time cash donation to student scholarships. Provide a gift-in-kind donation for materials or supplies that will help elevate students building expenses. Donate media or advertising space to spread the word.