In Exodus 14 God told the Hebrews to start moving before He parted the sea. Step out in faith. God often sets His miracles in motion before we see any sign. Sometimes before we pray.

Moses split the sea with his staff, which represented the authority and power given by God. God acts through people. He doesn't like to act apart from His servants.

Also interesting to note... Moses didn't touch the sea, only the air. He didn't part the sea. God did it in response to his faith.