Most new boards are getting a little shorter and a lot wider. You should go to your local pro shop and rent some boards, usually the rentals go towards your purchase. You will learn faster if you are comfortable on your board. There are two types of bindings. Boots, and bungee straps.
Boots are as they sound, boots.
Boots are good for support and you won't fall out of them as easily. Bungee straps are good if you have more than one rider for the board, you want to be able to get in and out of them easily, and they are less expensive. If you plan on trying advanced stuff, boots are a lot safer. When beginning it's easier to ride with the back boot basically on 0 on both sides, perpendicular to the board, and the front on the 18's facing forward. If it stays bunchy, then use it.