It’s the time of the year Knights have been waiting (and some even training) for –– Spirit Splash. On Friday afternoon thousands will rush into the Reflecting Pond for a chance to snag a rubber duck.  Radio-television grad Sonali Prabhu ’19 and senior event management major Ashley Aken, from the , share their insight for a successful run.

Spirit Splash has been recognized as the best university tradition in the state by the National Association for Campus Activities and was featured in . It started in 1995 when the SGA president was pushed into the pond by some students at a pep rally at the fountain. The rest of the student body followed and a couple of years later, the tradition earned the name β€œSpirit Splash” and has been going strong ever since.

Now for the tips:

1: Wear a bathing suit or other comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. As for shoes, stay away from flip flops because they’ll slow you down or fall off.

thousands of college students crammed into a pond with their hands raised on a sunny day
(Photo by Nick Russett)

2: It can get crowded in the pond, so be safe and cautious of your surroundings.

3: Wear sunscreen. Even though it’s October, the Florida sun is still hot and you’ll regret it if you don’t lather up.

a giant inflatable yellow rubber duck wearing black sunglasses looms large over a crowd of college students
(Photo by Austin Warren)

4: The best photo opportunity is with a giant inflatable duck.

5: At the event, you can expect a DJ, the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ spirit team, Knightro in his best swim suit, the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Marching Knights and the football and basketball teams.

6: Students have been known to start gathering for the countdown by 6 a.m. It’s important to stay properly hydrated while you wait for the rush.

A hand holds up a pineapple wearing white sunglasses in a crowd of people
(Photo by Nick Russett)

7: If you plan to wear sunglasses, pick a pair that you won’t mind if they fall off or Croakies that connect to the glasses and help keep them attached to your head.

8: Only bring things that can get wet. It’s advised to leave bags at home.

9: Pay it forward. If you catch more than one duck, share it with a fellow Knight.

If you’re an alumnus who is nostalgic for your Spirit Splash days, or you can’t make it to the big event this year, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ will provide a beginning at noon. The actual splash is scheduled for 1 p.m.

For more information on Spirit Splash and Homecoming events, visit check out our Homecoming 2019 guide. For more The Campus Knights content, and follow on Instagram @ucf.edu.