Ireland Baldwin introduced her boyfriend to her father ''virtually''.

The 17-year-old model has been dating stand-up paddle boarder Slater Trout since a friend put them in touch with each other via Instagram and Twitter last year and while Maui based Slater hasn't made it to New York to meet her father Alec, Ireland still wanted them to get to know each other.

She told People.com: ''Dad hasn't personally face-to-face met him but he has virtually met him and he loves him, thus far.''

Slater, 18, added: ''We've talked on the phone; he's an awesome guy. He said 'I'd love to meet you soon. Come to New York, there's great surf out here.'''

However, Slater has met Ireland's mother Kim Basinger and is full of praise for the actress.

He said: ''I love Kim. She's an amazing woman. We've become really close and my parents are good friends with her.''

While Ireland lives in Los Angeles with Kim, 59, and Slater is based in Maui, the smitten couple try to see each other at least once a month.

Ireland added: ''I have never met anyone who is a more incredible person in my life.

''I would say he is my best friend. We have our moments but that's rare. We can act stupid in public, private or wherever and we are always laughing.

''We're outdoorsy people. I love walks, hiking, exploring and being on the beach.''

Slater added: ''We don't do normal stuff. We go paddle boarding with humpback whales in Maui. We go on athletic dates. And very romantic ones too. Like we will go to like a bluff and star gaze and go on trail runs and walk the dogs.''