What size surfboard should I buy?

Hi guys, I've only been surfing for altogether 7 days in Newquay. I already have a mini-mal which I find fine however would like to start surfing a shortboard. While surfing last week, my friend complained he couldn't catch any waves that day as he was on a 'too smaller' board - it was 6ft 8'. However we swapped and I surfed 3 out of the 5 waves I attempted on his board almost getting bottom turns each time. So basically my question is, what size surfboard should I buy next? Also any links to boards would be appreciated. Sorry for the anecdote, thought it might give a little insight into my surfing.