In my opinion, the difference between a "beginner board" and a more "advanced board" ... or should i say, the ability of a rider to get comfortable on the said boards is 3-5 days average.
There are some boards out there that might be ranked "beginner to intermediate," i would stay away from these boards unless you don't plan to exceed a recreational level, or you have $ to throw. Basically (as said above) you can jump aboard an "advanced" board within 3-5 days of starting wakeboarding... Again this is my opinion.
...with this said there are boards that are categorized as/recommended for Every skill level, "beginner to Pro"... so don't think that all boards are divided.
THREE MAJOR THINGS TOO LOOK FOR IN A "BEGINNER FRIENDLY" BOARD: (I say "beginner FRIENDLY" because many advanced boards also accommodate beginners)
EDGE DESIGN:
generally, anywhere you look, a board with a "soft edge" will be considered "beginner friendly" (but not necessarily limited to beginner. "Soft edges" are found on some pro edition boards too.) "Soft" edges are also referred to as "beveled edges" or "mellow edges" and other such similar terms. Softer edges will generally allow smother transitions with less chances of catching an edge . On the opposite end of things, there are "cupped rails" (cupped rails are pretty much only seen on the tip and tail of boards. Many boards will have a transition from a softer edge at the middle to a harder or cupped rail at the tips, to allow for good transitions edge to edge, but with superior control and speed as well) It might be safe to say that the more soft edge you have the more "beginner" the board will be. (notice the exclusion of "friendly" on that one... meaning limited to low-end riders and not most friendly for advancement)
ROCKER:
There are 2 major types of "rocker", or bend in a board: Continuous Rocker and Three Stage Rocker. Continuous is... well a continuous smooth curve in the board. Generally continuous rocker is more "beginner friendly" and allows for more easily controlled pop of the wake... some will say it is more "predictable." Three Stage Rocker has a short flat spot in the middle of the board interrupting the curve. This design provides more straight-up-in-the-air wake-to-wake pop/lift off the wake, but are generally a little more slow due to the less stream-lined shape.
FLEX:
flex is pretty new to wakeboarding, so it is hard to say if it is good for beginners or not (industry speaking). From personal experience in teaching a few new riders, I personally think flex boards, such as slingshot wakeboards are fine for beginners. Deffinately try before you buy on the flex thing if possible... if that is not possible, i'd go for flex anyway (if you ask my opinion)
SUMMARY: (With as little bias/personall prefferance as possible)
Begginer Friendly boards will have 1. a soft rail 2. continuous rocker 3. Flex?... well your on your own on that one
BINDINGS:
i share mostly the same opinion about bindings as boards, if you plan to do more than weekend recreation, just go for a more advanced boot. The benefits of a more advanced boot FAR outweigh the beginner boots. advanced boots are safer and more comfortable. The only benefit "beginner" boots will give is a cheaper price and maybe slightly increased ease of entry vs a more advanced boot.
for further information check these two sites
http://www.buywake.com/fittingroom http://www.edgewatersports.co.uk/index.html?lang=en-uk&target=d69.html P.S. I also second what Mitch has stated... maybe wakeskating might be more suitable to your style... consider it
P.S.S. If your wanting a board suggestion...though i am EXTREMELY fond of flex boards (slingshot) I think just about everyone could agree that Shaun Murray's (hyperlite) boards have been some of the best all-experience friendly boards in the market. His shapes have been around longer than probably anyone else's. disclaimer: I do admit that i have never ridden one however, but i have read and heard a lot about them and i feel i agree with the info