The apparently larger than normal size is the natural photographic distortion that occurs because the blade is much closer to the camera than he is. I'll bet that camera used has a relatively wide angle lens, which tends to increase this type of distortion.
A further idea to the "Praise C-sus" line (sorry to those offended)...
I'm sure there are a few paddlers who sport the contemporarily accepted look of Goatee, long hair, sandals... get a photo of him/her doing an air brace, C-eptre held proudly overhead in strong air-brace fashion! Martin?