I think a stripped cockpit recess would like very nice if the rest of the deck is also strip.

Some tips:
1) Run a thin strip of contrasting color around the perimeter of cockpit cutout. This visually makes bad joints between strips almost disappear.
2) Start and both the bow and stern ends of the cockpit, so glue can dry while another area is being worked. Meet near the paddler's hips, where the recess strips are very short.
3) Every 5th strip or so, run a strip completely across the hole, to keep everything on the same plane.
4) I used to use masking tape to temporarily hold strips in place, but now I just hold each strip in place for 10 seconds or so and they usually stay in place.

A few contruction photos on this page:
http://www.outdoorplace.org/paddling/SpringRun/sr2.htm

John