Bindi Irwin Talks About Her First Boyfriend, Professional Wakeboarder Chandler Powell

Bindi goes glam! (Sunday Style/Instagram)

Bindi Irwin’s late father, Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, jokingly suggested that the ideal age for her to start dating would be 40. Sorry, dad! Now 17, she has a special someone in her life.

The star of Netflix’s Bindi’s Bootcamp confirmed that she’s dating 18-year-old American professional wakeboarder Chandler Powell and talked a little about their relationship in the cover story of Sunday Style, the fashion magazine of Australia’s Telegraph newspaper.

Related: Bindi Irwin Is Growing Up, as Demonstrated by These 6 Pics

“I was blessed to meet Chandler and his family back in November 2013,” Bindi said. “We remained in touch and stayed friends. Since then, our friendship has developed into something really special.”

Bindi with her boyfriend, pro wakeboarder Chandler Powell (Instagram)

Bindi resides at the Australia Zoo, on the Sunshine Coast, and Powell lives in Florida, making her first relationship a long-distance one. “We send a Snapchat or Skype each other,” she said sounding very much like a typical teen. “We’re connected, which is so great.”

They work together on her Wildlife Warriors team, with Powell, whose bio says “he enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, biking, kayaking, and skateboarding in addition to wakeboarding” — a global ambassador.

“He is passionate about wildlife and an extraordinary wakeboarder,” Bindi told the magazine. "We are excited to be achieving more conservation work together. I feel lucky to have him in my life.”

Earlier this year, Bindi — who has encouraged other young girls not to grow up too quickly and to dress their age — said dating was a “long way off.” However, just a few weeks ago, it was revealed that she was dating Powell when he posted a sweet birthday tribute to her on Instagram. He called her a “gorgeous girl” and said he was “very blessed” to have her in his life. “Counting down the days until I get to see you again,” he wrote with hashtags including “#TotallyGushing” and “ISwamInTheCrocPond.”

Bindi, who graduates from high school later this year, has described herself as an “86-year-old soul” and posts pictures of her tea cups and books on Instagram. She tells the magazine that her “favorite thing in the world,” second to animals, of course, “is going out to get Chinese food, then coming home and renting a movie. A friend of mine just sent me the translated work of a German poet, Rilke, and I’m starting that, too. I’d rather be at home drinking tea and reading a book than anything else. I’m not very crazy.”

One thing that Bindi, who is gearing up to get her driver’s license, is growing away from? A lifestyle that includes 24/7 khaki outfits.

There is a time and a place for khaki, says Bindi. (Instagram)

“I want to try different styles,” she told the mag, which boasts a cover photo of her in a form-fitting black dress with a flared bottom and a straw hat. “Khaki is a part of who I am, but it’s fun to get dressed up every now and then. Being a bit of a girl is always exciting. You can’t jump on a croc or climb a tree if you’re not in khaki, but I do like different clothes and playing around with it a bit.”

It’s nice to see her out of the neutral color — and growing up with a good head on her shoulders.