A special skate day will be held at the Cowes Skate Park on January 17.

Presented by YMCA, Crime Stoppers, Victorian Skateboard Association (VSA) and Victoria Police the Skate Learn Connect Day runs for two hours from 2pm to 4pm.

The afternoon of skateboarding features competitions for young people aged 12-24, skills workshops, youth employment support and advice, free snacks, giveaways and prizes.

Specialist skaters from VSA will be in attendance, as well as staff from Crime Stoppers, the YMCA, employment services, Youth Hub and members of the local police force.

The VSA is also providing extra skateboards for people to use, along with prizes and giveaways.

Leading Senior Constable Nick Carlson said skaters of all abilities are welcome to take part.

"You don't have to be an expert skater; there will be lessons on offer, as well as competitions," Nick explained.

"Come along and bring your skateboard or scooter, a helmet, a water bottle and sunscreen.

"But there will be skateboards available to borrow for anyone who doesn't own one and would like to give skating a try."

Nick said Rotary will also be there on the day providing a sausage sizzle and the event will be well supervised.

"Parents are welcome to come along too, or they can drop their kids off."

While the session is free, you can register at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/free-skateboarding-lessons/ or just show up on the day.

The Skate Learn Connect Day is part of a state-wide campaign, with sessions happening in Wonthaggi (January 16), Geelong, Portarlington and Kensington.

Nick said the program was a way to positively connect with the skating community and help alleviate concerns in the general community about anti-social behaviour at skate parks.

"However the Cowes Skate Park is pretty well behaved.

"It has had problems from time to time with anti-social behaviour, but so do a lot of other places.

"The focus of this event is connecting with the skate community, not because it is considered the skatepark in Cowes is a problem.

"This is a proactive program to engage the younger members of the community."

For more information or to register: www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/free-skateboarding-lessons/