Attaching a handle?

With the help of some pros I am putting together an old school balsa belly board.

Similar to this board which belonged to Candy Calhoun

I like the wooden hoop handle and want to incorporate one on this board.

Here’s some DogTown boards with handles also.

I am pretty sure the three point base like the DogTown boards would be best but what is the best way to attach the handle?

Keep in mind the board is balsa.

I think I have a nice chunk of mahogany with a pleasing curve in the scrap bin that might work perfectly.

This rope/plasic tube affair accomplishes the task but it’s just too fugly for a balsa board.

The hoops on the DogTown boards aren’t much better but the one on Candy’s board looks good to me.

What say you ?