lol-dendex is the stuff that prob 80%of the uk dryslopes are madeof-like big triangluar tooth brushes! -bloody hurts when you fall too (snowflex is the other stuff, which is like big matresses in comparison!)

if you've been once, then you should be able to board,so a reasonably forgiving intermediate board would be fine............. anything too stiff, and you may not enjoy it too much, as they have to be worked a bit more to get the best from them!

asfor boots hurting, remeber that your binding setting will drastically effect your confort levels (in my expireience anyways........)if you have the high-back (the bit that goes up your calf, and can be adjusted) right forward, then it will make your legs burn- if you have it right back, you normally have to work the board slightly harder, but its much more comfy...............
Ohg, and id you can afford it, defo get a set of boots with liners- IMO they are much mroe confy that those without!