Bindi’s wake-boarder boyfriend Chandler Powell has undergone his official initiation into the Irwin family with his first successful “croc jump.”
In a series of shots posted to his Instagram page, Chandler can be seen mimicking the late Crocodile Hunter’s signature moves as he puts his entire body weight onto the majestic nine-foot, saltwater creature.
“Completed my first head jump yesterday on Madison the croc,” the 19-year-old wrote beside a snap of him beaming with the wild reptile.
“Definitely one of the most thrilling experiences! @australiazoo has the best and most experienced croc team in the world, thanks for letting me be a part of it and showing me the ropes (literally).”
He also penned, “Can’t come close to describing the rush we got from jumping this dinosaur. Big Dunc is 15 feet 1.5 inches!! Currently the largest out of the 144 crocodiles being tracked in the Wenlock River. Love seeing the capture techniques created by Steve are still used today to ensure the safety of the crocodile as well as ourselves.”
Chandler on his Croc Trip.
“Thank you @bindisueirwin showing me some of the most gorgeous places in Australia and for letting me jump crocs with you. After such an amazing adventure I can’t imagine what is to come in the future,” penned a very proud Chandler.
And while the moment was clearly a huge honour for the American wakeboarder, having been a long-time fan of the late Aussie legend, it was Bindi who simply couldn’t contain her pride.
Taking to Instagram, the Dancing with the Stars winner shared her own happy snap of the two beside Madison the croc, with the caption: “Today was a huge day for me on this #CrocTrip2016.”
“I was so excited that my amazing boyfriend was given the opportunity of taking the head on the jump team. This technique of croc catching was first created by Dad and the most incredible honour is getting assigned to hold the crocodiles head while we attach a tracking device.”
“To see @ChandlerPowell in khaki as such an integral part of the team was really wonderful. I feel extremely blessed to have someone in my life who is so passionate about wildlife and conservation. #ProudGirlfriend”
No doubt Steve would be so proud of his daughter!
Chandler has taken to the trade like a croc to water!
While it’s clear that Bindi’s fallen head over heels, a telling interview from earlier this month revealed that she won’t be walking down the aisle just yet.
“I don’t think I’m at a point in my life where marriage and getting engaged is really a huge priority right now for me,” the 18-year-old said to Entertainment Tonight.
“Maybe in five years, but right now I’m really happy with where I’m at.”
She went on: “I’m really happy with our relationship and I think we’ll just continue to have fun. It’s just nice to have someone there no matter what.”
Watch Bindi and Chandler tell the ADORABLE story of how they met in the video player below! Post continues…
The loved-up couple met in 2013 when Chandler visited Bindi’s home, Australia Zoo, on a competition tour.
“When the two of them met he was obviously awfully impressed,” the 19-year-old’s grandfather recently confessed to Woman’s Day adding, “Enough that he wrote a letter to the zoo and said ‘would it be all right if I wrote to her?’”
After some good old fashioned correspondence, the teens took to Skype and Facetime in a bid to stay in touch, and it wasn’t long before their friendship turned into something more.
Speaking of how she and the college student make long-distance work, Bindi quipped, “It’s nice when you find somebody who’s just endlessly kind and understands you and is really like-minded. I always get really excited.”
“I’m really blessed and grateful to have him in my life.”
And although there won’t be a Zoo-themed wedding just yet, you can be sure Chandler has mum’s tick of approval!
“They may even love him more than I do,” the brunette beauty joked, referring to her younger brother Robert and their mum Terri.
“I have my family and then Chandler has become a part of the family. He just understands us, he loves wildlife, loves wild places and is just ready to try.”
Bindi’s family adore the starlet’s beau!
Earlier this month, the brunette beauty celebrated her milestone birthday by her boyfriend’s side, back where it all began at Australia Zoo.
Taking a moment out of the fun-filled day to pay tribute to his sweet girlfriend on Instagram, Chandler shared, “I’m amazed by everything you have already achieved and I can’t even begin to imagine everything you’ll accomplish from this point on.”
“I’m very blessed to have you as such a huge part of my life and I’m beyond thankful you’ve let me be a part of yours. I hope today is as amazing as you are!”
As if these two aren’t the cutest couple ever!
