I said "as a kid" - I am not so young as to have played D&D 5e as a child.

I was referring to 3e, when the "simulation" aspect of the game was more heavily emphasized. See: https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Decanter_of_Endless_Water

> “Geyser” produces a 20-foot-long, 1-foot-wide stream at 30 gallons per round. ... The geyser effect causes considerable back pressure, requiring the holder to make a DC 12 Strength check to avoid being knocked down.

It was that last line that initially sparked the idea. Given the stated effects, this didn't seem like so much of a physics+rules stretch. The no-friction freedom of movement may have been more beyond the pale. Unfortunately 5e deliberately tried to close all the fun ways one could abuse various items.