The HL State is a great board, its what we recommend to many of our customers Its a solid board that doesn't have alot of bells and whistles. I'd say if you could go out and demo a few boards that would be great, that way you know what you're getting before you get it.
http://www.wakeworld.com/forum/showthread.php?t=780360
That link it to a forum I posted on as far as boards and different shapes might help with what you want. Just scroll down a little and its kind of long but its got some good information in there.
But by far the best thing you can do is go out and demo!
As for bindings I can't say enough about how good high quality bindings Ronix is putting out these days, (I ride 09 Company bindings) but it seems like their bindings provide the most to their customer for the cost! Check out some reviews too! The HL focus bindings are solid bindings as well and they provide a little more ankle support but I worry that as you ride them they will break in and be super flexible.
Hope this helps!