Recessed handles would be cool. The handle would be integrated flush with the deck. Cut slots in the deck where your fingers/thumb go. Reinforce the part under the hand with layers of plywood top and bottom. Let the bottom reinforcement piece run the full width side to side. Maybe let the top reinforcement piece be a more exotic wood.

Then you would have to go back and build the recess below. Maybe carve a small hemisphere out of floral foam that is the same size as the recess and use it as a plug. I don't know if that description made sense. It may be hard to pull off if the deck is already installed.

I'm doing something similar to that on my double paddle canoe. Mine are integrated into the small decks fore/aft... more like what you would see on a typical canoe.

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