Last fall, when passing by a skate park in Encinitas, Calif., near San Diego, we were delighted to find three little girls skateboarding in pink tutus and helmets. We immediately decided to tell their story – in a documentary style as playful and eclectic as our subjects.

The families of the girls (who were 6 years old at the time of filming) soon welcomed us into their homes; because we had some background in skateboarding, they considered us part of the “tribe.” As we filmed the girls over two months, we became deeply impressed by their skills and their eagerness to take on any boy standing in their way.

About two years ago, some onlookers labeled them as the “Pink Helmet Posse,” according to Jason Kenworthy, whose daughter Bella is in the group. He took this name to Instagram, and created a website and store to promote the group.

While women’s visibility in skateboarding has gradually increased in recent years, the Pink Helmet Posse is an unusual sight: Of over 12 million skateboarders in the United States, fewer than a quarter are estimated to be female. Despite slowly changing attitudes, this underrepresentation extends to extreme sporting events, such as the X Games. We hope this Op-Doc encourages more girls and young women to defy these odds.